Texas A&M 2040

Over the past 25 years, Texas A&M University has undergone significant transformations, fulfilling many of the objectives outlined in Vision 2020: Creating a Culture of Excellence. This progress, coupled with substantial enrollment growth, has positioned Texas A&M as one of the largest universities in the nation. Building on this success, in 2019, the university developed a subsequent visioning document, A Decade of Excellence: Vision 2020-2030, to further enhance its achievements.

However, since 2020, the university has experienced considerable changes in its structure and operations. Consequently, the current administration recognizes a pressing need to establish a new roadmap to guide the institution through the next 15 years, leading up to 2040. This necessity is driven by the rapidly evolving landscape, not only within higher education but also across state, national, corporate and global communities.

To address these challenges, former President Welsh has established an Executive Steering Committee, advised by an Executive Advisory Committee, to advance the process of creating a vision for the university in year 2040. Vice President of Planning, Assessment and Strategy Joseph P. Pettibon II and former Faculty Senate Speaker Dr. Angie Hill Price are chairing this process.

Executive Steering Committee:

  • Chair: Joseph P. Pettibon II, Planning, Assessment and Strategy
  • Chair: Angie Hill Price, College of Engineering
  • Members:
    • R. Ethan Braden, Division of Marketing and Communications
    • Cade Coppinger, Student Government Association
    • Sarah Franke, Division of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness
    • Lily Garcia, College of Dentistry
    • Catharina Laporte, College of Arts and Sciences
    • Michael O’Quinn, Planning, Assessment and Strategy
    • Tim Scott, Office of the Provost
  • Administrative Support: Angela Catlin

Committees

The following committees have been formed based on nominations from across campus.

Academics Committee

The core of Texas A&M is the academic enterprise, and its importance cannot be understated. This committee will focus on the holistic academic environment, future opportunities, changes and experiences that faculty and students have in the pursuit of academic credentials. A fundamental principle is how the university develops ethical leaders of character, capable of critical thinking to transform the world. Faculty are the bedrock of our university and excel in teaching, research and service at one of the largest land-grant universities in the nation. They provide a key role in curricular oversight and development, shared governance and exemplify the very best examples of academic freedom. It is expected that this committee will address degree program content agility and adaptability, evolving instructional methods, and trends in interdisciplinary and disciplinary options for a rapidly changing future. Additional attention will be given to how we serve veterans.

Chair: Mary Bryk, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M

Chair: Shelley D. Holliday, College of Architecture, Texas A&M

Members:

  • Jon Jasperson, Mays Business School, Texas A&M
  • Christine Bergeron, College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts, Texas A&M
  • Chris Reed, Office of the Provost, Texas A&M
  • Grace Townsend, Division of Foundational Sciences, Texas A&M
  • Alva Ferdinand, School of Public Health, Texas A&M
  • Amber Schaefer, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M
  • Daniel McAdams, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M
  • Robert "Jay" Woodward, Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M
  • Angela Mulchay-Spence, College of Nursing, Texas A&M
  • Samantha Shields, Center for Teaching Excellence
  • Kristie Orr, Director, Department of Disability Resources, Texas A&M
  • Bonnie Bustos-Rios, Office of Student Success, Texas A&M
  • Adelade Edgington, Student, Texas A&M
  • Thomas Hallmark, PhD Student, Texas A&M
  • Carla Haynes, Independent Education Management Professional
  • Matt Harthcock, Solutions by Harthcock Associates

Administrative Support:

Research, Scholarship and Creative Work Committee

Texas A&M leads in its innovative and impactful research, scholarship and creative (RSC) work conducted by faculty, researchers and clinicians across disciplines. In addition to the work of the Research Identity process, this committee will consider the current research landscape within the institution and the current trends in emerging and leading RSC fields that the university can lead and impact in the future. This effort should focus on all forms of scholarly activities across disciplines, inclusive academic freedom and the critical support provided by university libraries and the research infrastructure. In addition, the role of both undergraduate and graduate students in the research enterprise should be considered.

Chair: Emily Pentzer, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M

Chair: Dimitris C. Lagoudas, Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M

Members:

  • Julie Mosbo Ballestro, University Libraries, Texas A&M
  • Chendil Damodaran, College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M
  • Diane Bedford, College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts, Texas A&M
  • Weston Porter, Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, Texas A&M
  • Ann McNamara, Visualization / Computer Science & Engineering, Texas A&M
  • Robin Page, College of Nursing, Texas A&M
  • Michelle Taylor-Robinson, Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M
  • Pete van Hengstum, Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science, Texas A&M
  • Jim Song, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M
  • Jorja Kimball, Department of Research Development Services, Texas A&M
  • Tim Doty, Division of Marketing & Communications, Texas A&M
  • Michael Leary, Technology Services, Texas A&M
  • Chesney Gaines, Student, Texas A&M
  • Ikenna Okehie, PhD Student, Texas A&M
  • Bill Toler, Former Student
  • Jon Mogford, Health Science Center, Texas A&M
  • Kristi Sweet, Department of Philosophy, Texas A&M

Administrative Support:

Student Life and Engagement Committee

Description: Texas A&M’s robust student experience is part of what shapes the unique character of the institution and its graduates. This committee will examine student life and engagement for both undergraduate students and graduate students as well as those in locations outside Bryan-College Station. Particular attention should be given to the traditions and legacy created by students in the past, those that are embraced in the present and how to expand participation in those traditions in the future for all who become a member of the Aggie Family. In alignment with the academic enterprise, consider how the university serves veterans and develops leaders of character and great citizens. 

Chair: C.J. Woods, Academic Affairs, Texas A&M

Chair: Darby Roberts, Student Services, Texas A&M

Members:

  • Shannon Deer, Mays Business School, Texas A&M
  • Tom Reber, Division of Student Affairs, Texas A&M
  • Jennifer Griffith, Department of Health Policy & Management, Texas A&M
  • Debra Ellis, Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M
  • Tryon Wickersham, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M
  • Victor Castillo, College of Education & Human Development, Texas A&M
  • Meredith Simpson, Office of the Commandant, Texas A&M
  • Sara McCoy, Department of Residence Life, Texas A&M
  • Laila Navarro, Student, Texas A&M
  • Riley Bottoms, Student, Texas A&M
  • Garion Frankel, PhD Student, Texas A&M
  • Megha Subhash, Student, Texas A&M
  • Truett Marrs, Student, Texas A&M
  • Kristi Baker, Former Student, Baker Realty Solutions
  • Kirk Mikulec, OEM Sales

Administrative Support:

Resources and Operational Infrastructure Committee

Texas A&M’s resources and infrastructure are critical to the future success of the university and its ability to effectively and efficiently manage the financial, physical and operational infrastructure to achieve the mission of Texas A&M. This committee will need to focus on what the university needs to support the faculty, staff and students in 2040 and beyond and consider the ways that the university can increase, reallocate and streamline the limited resources available. The university must have water, electricity, transit, technology and facilities that remain available and adaptable to the future academic and research needs of the university. Consideration should also be given to the role of outsourcing, maintenance, sustainability and evolving pedagogical landscape. 

Chair: Deborah Wright, Office of Budget & Planning, Texas A&M

Chair: Gregg Allen, Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M

Members:

  • Darren DePoy, College of Arts & Sciences, Texas A&M
  • Sid Misra, Department of Engineering Academic Coordination, Texas A&M
  • Karen Rambo-Hernández, Department of Teaching, Learning & Culture, Texas A&M
  • Kathrin Dunlap, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M
  • Ahmed Ali, Department of Architecture, Texas A&M
  • Angela Clendenin, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Texas A&M
  • Tim Powers, Office of the Provost, Texas A&M
  • Jennifer Hutchinson, Technology Services, Texas A&M
  • Barbara Bayer, Mays Business School, Texas A&M
  • Amy Caldwell, College of Dentistry, Texas A&M
  • Lisa Cantu, PhD Student, Texas A&M
  • Benny Kinsey, Graduate Student, Texas A&M
  • Hailey Browning Lacour, PhD Student, Texas A&M
  • Caleb Holt, Former Student, Additive at Scale, TracksNA, Axle Box, Safe Tech, TX-Tactical, Intelligent Nanofiber, Inc., CENTEX Poly Solutions
  • Kamal Ariss, Former Student, Woodway Enterprises
  • Kristen Cox, Former Student, 12th Man Technology

Administrative Support:

University Working Environment and Ecosystem Committee

The success of Texas A&M is predicated upon its people and the quality of the environment and ecosystem created by how we work together for the greater good. All employees — faculty, staff, graduate assistants and student workers — desire to contribute to the success of the university and deserve strong support, development opportunities and the resources needed to carry out their specific role and mission. The university needs to be the employer of choice for talented faculty and staff in every community in which we operate. As the university considers the needs of its own workforce in 15 years, particular attention should be given to threats and opportunities related to public expectations of higher education, impacts of artificial intelligence and technology, current and expected benefits of working for the university, and the changing expectations of employees for their work environment. 

Chair: Heather Lench, Faculty Affairs, Texas A&M

Chair: Kristina Ballard, College of Engineering, Texas A&M

Members:

  • Cady Auckerman, College of Medicine, Texas A&M
  • Side Emre, Department of History, Texas A&M
  • August “John” Campbell, Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M
  • Philip Ritchey, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Texas A&M
  • Lynn Vartan, College of Performance Visual, and Fine Arts, Texas A&M
  • Julio Bernal, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M
  • Katy Lane, Mays Business School, Texas A&M
  • Rebecca Hapes, Office of the Registrar, Texas A&M
  • Mary Kalafatis, Division of Finance & Business Services, Texas A&M
  • Stacey Havel, Department of Human Resources, Texas A&M
  • Tonya Driver, Division of Student Services, Texas A&M
  • Ellie Hague, Student, Texas A&M
  • Matthew Keller, Graduate Student, Texas A&M
  • Shariq Yosufzai, Former Student, Chevron
  • Whitney Isbell, Northeast Tarrant County Aggie Moms Club
  • Leah Kocian, PhD Student, Texas A&M

Administrative Support:

University and Community Relationship Committee

Texas A&M is embedded across the state, having both a privilege and responsibility to serve our local communities and to be great partners. This committee will focus on the relationship between the university and those communities, inclusive of the local Bryan-College Station community, across the state of Texas and in other locations where the university has an impact. Consideration of how the university and the community partnership needs to adapt as a vital partnership allowing both to flourish. Further, consider how the university can enhance the quality of life in these areas, leveraging the expertise and resources available, e.g., workforce development, health initiatives, museums, performance venues and other components that enhance the cultural experience.

Chair: Rebekka Dudensing, Office of Community Engagement, Texas A&M

Chair: Debbie Lollar, Department of Transportation Services, Texas A&M

Members:

  • Chad Wootton, Global Health Initiatives, Texas A&M
  • Claire Katz, Faculty Affairs, Texas A&M
  • Jim Ball, College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts, Texas A&M
  • Sherecce Fields, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M
  • Cassia Galvao, College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies, Texas A&M
  • Gustavo Perez, Department of Teaching, Learning, and Culture, Texas A&M
  • Maria Alves, Halliburton Engineering Global Programs, Texas A&M
  • Trudy Bennett, Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, Texas A&M
  • Kelli Hollinger, Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center, Texas A&M
  • Monica Martinez, Emergency Management, Texas A&M
  • Kyle Cox, PhD Student, Texas A&M
  • Ava Blackburn, Student, Texas A&M
  • Brennan Dees, Graduate Student, Texas A&M
  • Linda LaMantia, Texas Cultural Trust
  • Chris Gavras, CG Group Inc.
  • Stephen Vincent, Power from the SON (PFS)
  • Donna Stauber, Hillcrest Baptist Medical

Administrative Support:

Health and Clinical Enterprise Committee

Texas A&M is embracing historic and emerging presence in health care, impacting the total health of all Texans, both urban and rural populations. This committee will focus on the current challenges and future needs of the university’s health and clinical enterprise to serve the demands of a changing health care system and the impact of clinical operations. This group will need to work across disciplinary areas and is intended to be a broad consideration of these areas across the institution. Further, this group needs to consider the changing landscape in health care structures and partnerships as well as policy and person-centered care.

Chair: Amy Waer, College of Medicine, Texas A&M

Chair: Likith Reddy, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Texas A&M

Members:

  • Chanam Lee, College of Architecture, Texas A&M
  • Jag Grooms, School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M
  • Shawn Gibbs, School of Public Health, Texas A&M
  • Joe Orr, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M
  • Abhishek Jain, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M
  • Joy Alonzo, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Texas A&M
  • Renee Miller, College of Nursing, Texas A&M
  • Zienna Blackwell, University Health Services, Texas A&M
  • Wendy Hughes, Coastal Bend Health Education Center, Texas A&M
  • Tiffany Gunnels, MD/PhD Student, Texas A&M
  • Gogoal Falia, Graduate Student, Texas A&M
  • Neal Adams, Adams, Lynch, & Loftin, P.C.
  • Jack Matz, Former Student
  • Nancy Matz, Former Student
  • Sarah Hlavinka, Former Student
  • Brian Donahue, Crescent Bank & Trust
  • Stacey Eckman, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M

Administrative Support:

Employer and State/National Needs Committee

Texas A&M embraces its designations as a land-, sea- and space-grant institution and seeks to be the model for similar institutions of the future. This committee will focus on workforce needs, surveying what employers need across all disciplines. This group is intended to focus on listening and responding to the demands of employers, including corporations, governmental and non-profit entities, to ensure that the Aggie degree is relevant and the recipient is prepared for immediate and long-term success. The intent of this committee is to hear the external voice and make recommendations to translate needs to the university.

Chair: Stefanie Harris, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M

Chair: Nancy Currie-Gregg, Texas A&M Space Institute, Texas A&M

Members:

  • Kyler Ramsey, Texas A&M Health, Texas A&M
  • Phil Lewis, Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M
  • Winfried Teizer, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas A&M
  • Elsa Gonzalez, Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development, Texas A&M
  • Dwight Roblyer, Department of Political Science, Texas A&M
  • Kristi Shryock, Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering, Texas A&M
  • Curtis Donaldson, Office of Community Engagement, Texas A&M
  • Traci Lacy, Texas A&M AgriLife Research
  • Desiree Wilson, Career Center, Texas A&M
  • Lisa Burton, Mays Business School, Texas A&M
  • Giavanna Granato, Student, Texas A&M
  • Johnna Lee, PhD Student, Texas A&M
  • Susan Davenport, Brazos Valley Economic Corporation
  • Drew Riethman, FTI Consulting
  • Cedric Sims, MITRE
  • Monica Fruge, Graduate Student, Texas A&M
  • Bill Bullock, Conoco-Phillips

Administrative Support:

ONE University Committee

Texas A&M is one of the most complex and comprehensive institutions in the world, operating at the intersection of three state university entities, multiple state agencies and five external philanthropy organizations. This committee will examine systemic issues involving shared governance, leadership, organization, strategic centralization and other areas of collaboration and integration for continued success, inclusive of multiple locations, streamlining of processes, improving communication, embracing commonality and reducing the burden on finite resources. The adage that “we are greater than the sum of our parts” must be how we operate in the future as ONE University, moving forward together for the greater good. The focus of this committee will be outcome-oriented, leverage the strength of the organization and be attentive to the communities being served.

Chair: Simon North, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M

Chair: Craig Coates, Department of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M

Members:

  • Debbie Thomas, College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies, Texas A&M
  • Indra Reddy, Texas A&M Health, Texas A&M
  • Megan Lacy, Division of Marketing & Communications, Texas A&M
  • Darren Hartl, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M
  • Andrew Klein, Department of Geography, Texas A&M
  • Joe Arosh, Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M
  • Juan Garza, Technology Services, Texas A&M
  • Matt Fry, Division of Research, Texas A&M
  • Mike Alexander, Mays Business School, Texas A&M
  • Elizabeth Piwonka, Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Texas A&M
  • Macy Cleveland, Student, Texas A&M
  • Tori Davis, Graduate Student, Texas A&M
  • Darryl Heath, Texas Higher Education Foundation
  • Paul Stafford, Stafford Moore PLLC
  • Shelley Potter, Former Student
  • Mike Havel, Metro Custom Plastics

Administrative Support: