We, the undersigned—members of Aggies with Disabilities, fellow Aggies, alumni, students, faculty, disability advocates, families, friends, and supporters—respectfully urge Texas A&M University to approve a posthumous PhD for Kyle David Cox in accordance with Student Rule 14.19.

Kyle was a doctoral candidate in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications who lived his research, titled "Disparity Among Individuals with Disabilities," amid his lifelong battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He completed:  

• All required coursework.  

• Oral and written qualifying exams.  

• Admission to PhD candidacy.  

• Significant dissertation progress (3 of 5 sections completed; extensive work discovered and shared with his committee after his passing on January 5, 2026).  

Student Rule 14.19 allows posthumous graduate degrees when:  

• The advisory committee chair initiates the request.  

• The committee certifies belief that "all requirements... would have been completed by the anticipated graduation date under normal circumstances."  

• For PhDs: Candidacy achieved, research proposal signed by committee members, and "a significant portion of the dissertation... reviewed by the committee and found to be acceptable."  

Kyle met these exact conditions. This policy honors academic progress in tragedies like this, supports families and legacies, and upholds standards.

Kyle's extraordinary service embodied Aggie core values of selfless service and leadership:  

• Appointed by Governor Abbott to the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and Medicaid Redesign Committee.  

• Twice elected Student Senator; founded the Disability Sub-Commission

• Revived adaptive sports (securing 18 wheelchairs for inclusion).  

• Created “Open Doors” for campus accessibility.  

• Served on Vision 2040, building/planning committees, and donor outreach.  

• Mentored PATHS students and advocated for policy changes nationwide.  

Despite these accomplishments, Texas A&M University has declined to award Kyle his degree. Although no reason has been given, members of the community are concerned that Kyle's degree is being withheld because of his disabilities. 

Awarding this PhD affirms Texas A&M's commitment to excellence, inclusion, and compassion—values Kyle championed relentlessly. His family, named 2025–26 Parents of the Year (the first to lose a student during their tenure), should be recognized. Kyle left space on his wall for his diploma; he earned it.

Kyle is not here to advocate for himself - but we will not let his voice and mission be silenced.