M. Katherine Banks facts for kids

Margaret Katherine "Kathy" Banks is an American academic and civil engineer. She was the 26th president of Texas A&M University from 2021 to 2023. She was the second woman to hold this important position.

Banks is a respected member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. She was also chosen for the National Academy of Engineering in 2014. Before becoming president, she was the dean of the College of Engineering. She also worked as a professor at Purdue University. Her research helps us understand how tiny living things can clean up water and soil.

Kathy Banks' Education and Career

Early Life and Studies

Kathy Banks grew up in Whitesburg, Kentucky. This was a small town known for coal mining. She studied environmental engineering in college.

She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Science, from the University of Florida in 1982. She then got her Master of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1985. Finally, she earned her PhD in civil and environmental engineering from Duke University in 1989.

Teaching and Leadership Roles

After finishing her studies, Banks became a professor. She taught at Kansas State University from 1989 to 1997. Then, from 1997 to 2012, she was a professor at Purdue University. At Purdue, she became the head of the School of Civil Engineering.

In 2012, Banks moved to Texas A&M University. There, she held many important roles. She was the Vice Chancellor of Engineering and Dean of the College of Engineering. She also directed the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. In 2019, she joined the Board of Directors for Halliburton, a large company.

Presidency of Texas A&M University

Becoming President

Kathy Banks had already served for nine years as a leader at Texas A&M. She was nominated to be the university's president on March 3, 2021. The university's Board of Regents confirmed her appointment on March 31, 2021. She officially started her role as president on June 1, 2021.

Challenges and Resignation

During her time as president, there were some challenges regarding a new hire for the university's journalism program. These issues caused a lot of discussion and attention.

On July 20, 2023, Kathy Banks decided to step down from her role as president. In her resignation letter, she explained that the negative attention was a distraction. She felt it was taking away from the important work being done at the university.

After her resignation, Mark A. Welsh III was appointed as the acting president.

Kathy Banks' Personal Life

Kathy Banks is married to Arthur Paul Schwab. They met when they were both professors at Kansas State University. They have even worked together on some research studies.

Paul Schwab also moved to Purdue University with Kathy in 1998. He joined the faculty there as a professor. Today, he works at Texas A&M University as a professor. He teaches about soil and crops in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Kathy and Paul have six children.

Awards and Recognition

Kathy Banks has received many awards for her work. These awards recognize her achievements in engineering and academia.

• American Society of Civil Engineers Petersen Outstanding Woman of the Year Award
• American Society of Civil Engineers Rudolph Hering Medal, 2010
• Oil and Gas Investor's 25 Influential Women in Energy Pinnacle Award
• Purdue Faculty Scholar Award
• Sloan Foundation Mentoring Fellowship
• American Association of University Women Fellowship
• National Academy of Engineering Membership