Texas A&M at Work: Nov. 24, 2025

Texas A&M at Work is a biweekly email designed to keep employees up to date on the most vital and relevant information, news and events across all Texas A&M University campuses.

‘Outlander’ author hand-picks Texas A&M to house her literary archives

The “Outlander” universe, in which a time-traveling British nurse finds adventure and romance with an 18th-century Scottish warrior, is bound for Aggieland.

Dr. Diana Gabaldon, author of the best-selling “Outlander” series of books, has selected Texas A&M University’s Cushing Memorial Library and Archives as the permanent home for her literary papers, notes and memorabilia from the historical science fiction, adventure-romance series and its hit streaming adaptation. The collection will capture the evolution of Gabaldon’s storytelling and offer a glimpse into how her 1991 debut novel “Outlander” grew into a global phenomenon spanning novels, companion works and a long-running television adaptation.

Gabaldon chose Texas A&M based in part on a September campus visit. She and her husband, Doug Watkins, were among 108,000 raucous fans at Kyle Field, taking in their first visit to Aggieland as the Aggie football team opened Southeastern Conference play with a win over Auburn.

“My visit to Texas A&M was memorable,” Gabaldon said. “Everything was impressive, from the football game to the Historic Press Room, to so many other things I’ve never experienced before. The passion that exists for the university is inspiring.”

READ MORE ABOUT Gabaldon’s collection

Healing the healer: Texas A&M helps Irish Wolfhound fulfill life-saving mission

MacIntosh Otto is hard to miss — he’s a 100-pound, 1-and-a-half-year-old Irish Wolfhound with a calm nature and a nose that can nudge just about anything off a kitchen counter. Mac’s owners, Lisa and David Otto, believed he would be perfect as a therapy dog.

Beneath his gentle demeanor, however, was a hidden condition that threatened his health: Mac was born with a liver shunt.

The Ottos weren’t strangers to the diagnosis; years earlier, they had helped care for another Irish Wolfhound puppy with the same condition and witnessed the successful outcome of treatment at Texas A&M’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital, so when Mac was diagnosed, they knew where they wanted to turn. And Mac’s case became a first-of-its-kind success that allowed him to live the life he was meant to lead.

Find out more about Mac’s journey

Tim Scott to retire after nearly 40 years of service at Texas A&M

After 37 years of dedicated service to Texas A&M, Dr. Tim Scott ’89 has announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31. He currently serves as chief of staff to Texas A&M Interim President Tommy Williams.

Michael O’Quinn ’86 will serve as interim chief of staff while maintaining his role as chief strategy officer for the university, following Scott’s retirement. He will serve until a new full-time university president is appointed.

Scott was appointed vice provost for academic affairs in fall 2023. Prior to that, he held numerous leadership positions, including interim provost and executive vice president, associate provost for academic affairs and student success, and associate dean for undergraduate programs in the College of Science.

During his tenure, Texas A&M has seen unprecedented increases in retention and graduation rates. He has also led course redesign efforts, as well as initiatives to increase the availability of low- and no-cost textbooks on campus. Over the years, he has built and directed numerous learning communities, including those for first-generation students, pre-service math and science teachers, and transfer students.

A retirement reception will be held Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. in the Rudder Theatre Complex Exhibit Hall. Faculty and staff are invited to join and are kindly asked to RSVP by Dec. 3.