Texas A&M is making history again with Corps of Cadets leadership selecting the first-ever African American Corps Commander.

News 3 met with Marquis Alexander of Houston, who will soon take over the top student position in the corps.

It's an honor very few will earn and for Texas A&M Junior Marquis Alexander the reality of being the next Corps Commander is still setting in.

"The corps has come a long way and I can see this as a milestone that we've passed and hopefully it'll open doors for other people," said Marquis Alexander, a Texas A&M International Studies junior.

While Marquis Alexander is the first African American Corps Commander in the school's 135 year history, he says it's something he initially didn't think about.

"One of my biggest goals and one of the commandant's goals also is academics. We're just below the university average so we want to meet or if possible exceed the university average. Also I'd like to see us get more involved off the quad," said Alexander.

Many students like senior Jacqueline Hernandez weren't aware of the change either.

"We've seen that with the recent student body elections with a minority running for president and we also had some girls running for yell leaders. So I think that will definitely empower others to follow his steps," said Hernandez.

Marquis Alexander joined the Marine Corps before attending A&M and hopes to return to active duty as an officer after graduating.

"I'd rather them focus on the fact and say he was the Corps Commander and did great things instead of he is the first black Corps Commander. However I can't deny that it is significant," Alexander stated.

Alexander will assume his role as Corps Commander on May 5th after final review.

The Corps of Cadets has around 2,100 members and is expected to have its largest membership in 40 years this fall.

The corps first accepted African American men in 1963.