Eric Algoe has served as the Executive Vice President for Operations and Chief Financial Officer at Texas State University since 2015, where he oversees all the financial, physical, safety, and human resources activities for the university. He also currently serves as president of the Texas Association of College and University Business Officers. Algoe formerly served as Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration at Florida State University and as Vice President for Finance and Administration at Ohio Wesleyan University. His career has focused on public service and mission-driven nonprofits, including 15 years of service as a military intelligence and civil affairs officer in the United States Army and Army Reserve. Algoe holds a Master of Business Administration from Franklin University and a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. He is also a Certified Public Manager and a graduate of the Governor’s Executive Development Program at The University of Texas at Austin.

Mayet Andreassen is both an artist and educator whose core philosophy centers on promoting artistic and creative excellence in her students and herself. She has over 14 years of teaching experience at the college and university level and is currently the Associate Program Director of the Bachelor of Science in Visualization and a full-time Instructional Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University. Andreassen has led and served on various committees and boards. She currently serves on two nonprofit boards, including the Texas Media Production Alliance. She has also served on SXSW EDU’s PanelPicker review board since 2021, and she recently joined the SIGGRAPH Education Committee. Her previous work experience is in the games industry and as a freelance designer and illustrator. Andreassen earned her MFA in Film and Animation from The Academy of Art University in San Francisco and her BFA in 2D Animation and Illustration from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Angelica M. Barrera, Associate Vice Provost for Student-Athlete Retention and Excellence at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), brings over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, serving as a critical liaison between Academic Affairs and UTSA Athletics. Her expertise lies in catalyzing student achievement through innovative, data-driven strategies, harnessing cutting-edge research practices to transform campus ecosystems and cultivate dynamic learning environments. Barrera's leadership philosophy, anchored in strategic and transformational frameworks, champions excellence and unwavering dedication to student success, cultivating an ecosystem of innovation and comprehensive growth.

Brendan Vallis Batchelder is a first-generation college student and biomedical science major at Texas A&M University, working towards a future in medicine, currently with a strong passion for pathology. Batchelder’s greatest pride, though, is being a father of two. Balancing his academic journey with parenthood is both his motivation and his joy, inspiring him to set an example of resilience and dedication for his children. As a former Marine Corps sergeant and telecommunications technician, he brings leadership and technical skills to his studies, but it is his role as a parent that drives his commitment to lifelong learning, excellence, and making an impact.

Jamie Bernstein joined the Supreme Court of Texas Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth, and Families in May 2014 and became the Executive Director in June 2020. Bernstein began her legal career in New York, where she represented children and youth in child welfare and delinquency proceedings. She has expertise in the areas of court improvement and the intersection of child welfare and juvenile justice. Bernstein earned a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University and a JD from Brooklyn Law School.

Ray Bonilla serves as General Counsel of the Texas A&M University System and leads the Office of General Counsel in providing legal services to the 11 universities and eight state agencies in the Texas A&M System. In this role, he provides legal advice to the Texas A&M Board of Regents, Chancellor, vice chancellors, university presidents, agency directors, and other executives across the system. The A&M System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with an annual budget of more than $7 billion. Bonilla leads a team of lawyers, compliance officers, and administrative staff handling a variety of legal matters, including issues relating to governance, litigation management, regulatory compliance, employment matters, student affairs, construction and real estate, international activities and athletics. Previously, Bonilla was a partner in the law firm of Ray, Wood & Bonilla in Austin. He also served as General Counsel of the Texas Comptroller’s Office, where he served as the primary legal advisor to the state’s chief tax administrator and chief financial officer. Before the Comptroller’s Office, Bonilla served on the Washington staff of former U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen and as an attorney at the law firms of McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore and Baker & Botts. In November 2015, Bonilla was recognized for professional achievement by the Texas General Counsel Forum as the Outstanding General Counsel for a Non-profit/Government Agency. Bonilla holds a JD with honors and a BBA in Accounting with honors from The University of Texas at Austin.

Emily Brem is a student at Grayson College, majoring in business administration. In addition to her academic work, she brings extensive experience from her roles in community mental health services and working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and delays. She has supported diverse clients in job procurement and management, focusing on improving their quality of life through skill development and community support. Currently, Brem works as an administrative assistant in the Academic Advising office at Grayson College, where she assists with handling communications, problem solving, managing schedules, and other duties. She is passionate about promoting mental health and accessibility, and she is excited to share insights from both her professional and academic experiences at this conference.

Doug Brock is a committed advocate for public education with extensive experience in the field. For the past three and a half years, he has served as Assistant General Counsel at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), where he has played a crucial role in supporting higher education initiatives. Before joining THECB, Brock was in private practice focusing on representing public school districts and community colleges. He has spent countless nights at board meetings providing trustees legal counsel on crucial matters. In addition to his law degree, Brock has a master’s degree in education policy. He has experience working at higher education institutions as well as being a middle school teacher. His expertise and passion for education continue to drive his work in promoting and safeguarding the interests of students and educational institutions.

Nichole Bunker-Henderson serves as General Counsel for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Prior to joining the THECB, she served the Office of the Attorney General for 15 years, rising from law clerk to Chief of the Administrative Law Division, and ultimately serving as the Associate Deputy Attorney General for Civil Litigation. Bunker-Henderson has worked on diverse matters as a trial and appellate attorney and general counsel to state agencies. She is a frequent speaker on administrative law topics. During her nearly 25 years of government service, she has also served as the Deputy General Counsel at the Texas Education Agency and worked for the Texas Senate and Texas Legislative Council. Bunker-Henderson earned a bachelor’s degree in government from The University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from The University of Arizona.

Cobby A. Caputo, a partner at Bickerstaff Heath Delgado and Acosta LLP, has been Outside General Counsel for the Austin Community College (ACC) District since 2010. He also advises other community colleges statewide on a variety of topics, including policy development, governance, Title IX, Title VI, open government, First Amendment issues, student rights, and all nature of employment matters. Prior to becoming general counsel for ACC, Caputo had a statewide litigation practice, representing K-12 schools, charter schools, colleges, cities, water districts, and counties in state and federal court.

Joannette Casias is a first-generation, nontraditional, TRIO Honor Society sophomore at Palo Alto College (PAC) in San Antonio, Texas. She is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management Operations and Entrepreneurship and a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Operations Management. She actively contributes to her college community by engaging in various campus leadership roles and organizations, including serving as PAC Presidential Ambassador and as president of the PAC chapter in ASCENDER: Catch the Next. Casias has completed internships directly under the Chairman of Palo Alto College’s Business Department in the position of Peer Advisor/Student Ambassador, and in the position of African American Business Enterprise Initiative Intern for the Bexar County Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department. Outside of academics, Casias is a proud native Latina dedicated to her faith, family, and community. Involved in church ministries and passionate about art, music, and travel, Casias strives to positively impact first-generation, nontraditional, underprivileged students with her experience, knowledge, and compassion.

Jeffrey Chambers became the Vice President for Administrative Services at Midland College in 2023, after serving seven years in the same role at Northeast Texas Community College. In this capacity, he oversees the Human Resources, Accounting, Purchasing, and Police departments, while also managing contracted services for the bookstore and food services. With over eight years of experience in higher education, Jeffrey currently serves as treasurer of the Texas Association of Community College Business Officers. Before entering higher education, he worked for nine years in various roles within three independent school districts in Northeast Texas. Chambers holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas at Tyler, an MBA from LeTourneau University, and a Master of Accounting from Texas A&M University-Texarkana. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner and a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Texas.

Steven Christopher is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Accessibility and Social Support Resources for the Austin Community College (ACC) District. He has over 40 years of experience working with diverse communities in the fields of higher education, social work, foster care, child care, disability services, and leadership. Since joining ACC in 1995, Christopher has served as a direct service provider, an adjunct faculty member, and in a variety of leadership roles. He serves on many ACC committees, including serving as the chair of the Central Texas College Attainment Network and as a board member on the Jeremiah Program Community Board of Trustees. He has also served separately as president and vice president of the Austin Songwriters Group as well as Unity in the Heart of Austin, a local church. Christopher earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and a Master of Arts in Organizational and Human Resource Development from The University of Texas at Austin.

Amanda Cochran-McCall serves as the Vice President for Legal Affairs, where she performs the duties of chief legal officer, general counsel, and chief ethics officer, for The University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin). In this role, she serves the institution as in-house counsel, guiding its course on a broad array of legal issues, including constitutional, civil rights, employment, athletics, business contracts, real estate, and litigation strategy. She collaborates daily with university leadership in the executive administration, colleges, schools, and business units to support their needs and goals. She also has the honor of leading the day-to-day operations of the university’s Legal Affairs team in support of its mission to deliver excellence in legal services to every part of campus. Prior to joining UT-Austin, Cochran-McCall served in various roles over almost a decade at the Texas Attorney General’s Office. She managed and directed 12 civil litigation divisions of over 600 employees, 30,000 active litigation matters, and a $40 million budget. She also provided strategic legal guidance and direction on various matters, including First Amendment, Due Process, Equal Protection, Title IX, employment law, and higher education issues for university systems and component institutions, state elected and appointed officials, and state agencies. As a trial attorney, she directed and performed all aspects of litigation in state and federal court. Cochran-McCall is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and Oklahoma City University School of Law.

Dona Hamilton Cornell became Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel for the University of Houston System and Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel for the University of Houston in 2002. In these roles, she is responsible for legal services in all areas, including contracts and conveyances, employment law, constitutional law, real estate, construction, intellectual property, federal research, tax, gift matters, athletics, governance, health, privacy and open government issues, as well as other matters applicable to higher education law, including Title IX. She also has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston. Prior to joining the University of Houston System, she served as Deputy Chief of the General Litigation Division for the Texas Attorney General's office, was a partner in an Austin-based law firm, and was also an Assistant Attorney General from 1987-1992. Cornell earned her undergraduate and law degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to receiving her law degree, she served as a committee clerk and legislative aide in the Texas Legislature.

Allyson Cornett serves as the Research Director at Trellis Strategies. She has over a decade of expertise in leading and conducting mixed-methods research, focusing on critical student success issues such as basic needs insecurity, financial wellness, and mental health. She is certified in public health and holds a Master of Public Health in Behavioral and Community Health and Public Health Leadership from the University of North Texas Health Science Center and a Bachelor of Anthropology from Texas State University.

Dr. Carlos E. Cruz, EdD, is the inaugural Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Wellbeing and Social Support at Dallas College. A higher education leader with over 16 years of experience, his background encompasses leadership and management in student affairs, student well-being, learning development, grant programs, operations, strategic planning, and community partnerships. As a first-generation college student and graduate, he is dedicated to advocating for those who have been historically marginalized and underserved by fostering the importance of higher education. In his role at Dallas College, Cruz oversees the offices of Student Care Coordination, Counseling and Psychological Services, Health Services and Promotion, and Basic Needs and Community Connections and facilitates partnerships between Dallas College, four-year institutions, employers, nonprofit organizations, and community partners. Cruz began his higher education career working for Project STAY, one of the oldest community-based TRIO programs in the country, and before joining Dallas College, he served as the Dean of Student Success at Palo Alto College, one of the Alamo Colleges. He is active in numerous civic and charitable organizations in Dallas. He is a board member for the SMU Latino Alumni and Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region. Cruz holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from The University of Texas at Austin.

Emma Demczak is a student at the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi RELLIS campus, where she is currently a junior. When setting goals, Demczak is a motivated and determined individual, who will stop at nothing to achieve them. She was raised with strong Christian values, which she follows in every aspect of her life. She is a positive, enthusiastic, and fun-loving person, who approaches every task with pride and conviction. Music, arts and crafts, and photography are just a few of her favorite hobbies, which have led her to seek a career in marketing. Being in an office environment from an early age, she gained much knowledge of how to be organized and the ability to be a problem solver. As she works in different environments, she is always conscious of her attitude, demeanor, and attire to keep up with the varying levels of professionalism needed in each setting.

Dr. Leticia Duncan-Brosnan, PhD, is the Director for the Alamo Colleges District’s districtwide Student Advocacy Network. She specializes in student success and support programs, and her position allows her to bring her experience to advocate for students and bring additional resources to support student success at the Alamo Colleges. Brosnan has over 34 years of experience as an educator and counselor working with community-based Federal TRIO Programs, the Alamo Colleges, and The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). She is a graduate of Leadership UTSA and the Women’s Professional Academic and Synergistic Leadership Academy. She has received UTSA’s Leadership Award, Student Affairs Award, Ambassadors Award, and the President’s Distinguished Diversity Award. She has worked on several community-level and university-level committees to support diversity and student success. Brosnan received her bachelor’s degree in multinational organization studies from St. Mary’s University, her master’s degree in counseling from The University of Texas at San Antonio, and her PhD in higher education administration from Texas A&M University.

Joseph Duron is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Texas A&M University System Offices. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 1992, Duron began his career with the university as a staff accountant. In 1995, he left the university to join the Texas A&M University System Offices. There he began serving as a financial analyst for the Texas A&M System Budget Office. As Chief Administrative Officer, Joseph is responsible for directing the overall Texas A&M System and System Offices budget and planning, coordination, and review. He is responsible for the oversight of the general comptrollership, which includes financial accounting and financial reporting. He also directs the production, review, and timely submission of various agenda items, management reports, and ad-hoc analyses that are provided to the Texas A&M Board of Regents, System Offices executive management, and member institutions and agencies. Duron provides oversight of Human Resources, Procurement/HUB, Benefits Administration, centralized bookkeeping, and aircraft operations for the System Offices. He also assists the Governmental Relations Office and executive management regarding legislative issues, such as formula funding, statutory requirements related to tuition and fees, bill analysis, fiscal notes, and appropriation analysis. He also serves on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s General Academic Formula Advisory Committee as a representative for Texas A&M University. Duron has degrees in accounting and finance from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Peter-James Ehimika serves as the Director of Student Success Initiatives at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he works to develop strategies to scale student success efforts and partners with university leaders to address trends and emerging student success issues. He and his team promote student success through data analytics to track student cohort movement and predict four-year graduation rates, proactive campaigns for target student populations, and responsive interventions to help students overcome barriers to timely graduation. Additionally, Ehimika serves as the chair of The University of Texas System (UT System) Employee Advisory Council, where he represents the interests of staff across all 14 UT System institutions and the UT System administrative offices to the UT System Chancellor and Board of Regents. He also serves as chair for the Rio Grande Valley Focus Higher Education Persistence and Completion Action Network, is a member of the University of Texas System Transfer Advisory Group, and was recently appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Student Success Advisory Workgroup. Ehimika holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Master of Arts in Communication, and a Master of Business Administration with a Healthcare Administration focus from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Development from The University of Texas at Tyler. He considers himself a life-long learner and believes in the importance of coaching and developing students to help them find their paths.

Dr. Fred Farias III, OD, MS, FAAO, of McAllen, Texas, is President and CEO of 20/20 Vision Care. He is the chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and a member of the Texas Higher Education Foundation. Farias is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, former president of the Texas Optometric Association and the Rio Grande Valley Optometric Society, and a former member of the American Optometric Association Board of Trustees. He was the Texas Optometric Association’s Optometrist of the Year in 2015 and the National American Optometric Association’s Optometrist of the Year in 2016. He is a past gubernatorial appointee to the Texas Optometry Board, where he chaired the Licensing and Administration Committee, and is a charter member of Optometry Cares–The AOA Foundation. He is a lifetime member of The University of Texas (UT) System Chancellor’s Executive Committee and the UT Austin Development Board and is a member of the UT Longhorn Foundation Athletic Advisory Council. He is a past recipient of the Outstanding Young Texas Exes Award, a Lifetime Achievement Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Southern College of Optometry, and in 2019 was named an Outstanding Alumnus by UT Austin’s Moody College of Communication. Farias also serves as chairman of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council and volunteers for several charitable organizations. Farias received a Bachelor of Science from The University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree from Harvard Medical School, and a Doctor of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry.

Jennifer Flores is the Interim Dean of Student Success at Palo Alto College. A graduate of Head Start who brings over 13 years of nonprofit experience working with children and families and seven years of higher education expertise, Flores is also the Palo Alto College Parenting Student Liaison Officer. In this role, she collaborates with diverse teams across the college to support student and parenting student success. Her goal is to inspire students, colleagues, and members of the community to be successful in their educational path and career. Flores holds an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences from St. Phillips College and both a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and a Master of Arts in Education from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Jonathan Gagliardi is the founding Vice President of the Office of Economic Mobility and Social Impact for Northern Arizona University. At the City University of New York, Gagliardi was Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Effectiveness and Innovation. In that role, he spearheaded efforts to drive upward mobility and opportunity for students through systemwide strategic planning and student-centered, equity-driven policies and programs. Before that, Gagliardi served Herbert H. Lehman College as the Assistant Vice President for Strategy, Policy, and Analytics. In that role, he helped introduce advanced analytics approaches to academic quality, student success, and accreditation. Gagliardi also served as Chancellor’s Fellow of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, where he helped expand a degree completion agenda, working with partners in government, the private sector, civic society, and across the colleges to dramatically increase the impact of a SUNY credential. Gagliardi is one of the leading scholars on evidence-based organizational transformation in higher education, most recently co-editing “Higher Education Systems Redesigned, From Perpetuation to Innovation to Student Success” (SUNY Press, 2022) and authoring “How Colleges Use Data” (JHU Press, 2022). Gagliardi has extensive experience working for and with higher education membership associations and is the immediate past president of the Board of Directors of the Association for Institutional Research.

Ashley Garcia is the Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator at the F.A.T.E. Center at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, where she specializes in connecting eligible youth with a history of foster care involvement to postsecondary education opportunities at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. As a former foster youth who aged out of care at 18, Garcia draws on her personal experiences to build meaningful relationships and inspire others. She is passionate about the transformative power of education, believing that individuals can rise above their circumstances and achieve their dreams. In addition to her outreach and recruitment efforts, Garcia founded the collaborative program event series, "Deb Talks!", which provides a safe space for students to discuss pressing topics and share their perspectives. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, graduating cum laude, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

Robert Gauntt is the founding partner and CEO of Capital Creek Partners. He has over three decades of experience in the investment management industry and previously worked for PaineWebber, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and most recently was one of the founding partners at Avalon Advisors, a $9 billion registered investment advisor firm in Houston. Gauntt currently serves on the boards of The University of Texas System Board of Regents, Little League International, The Contemporary Austin, RBI Austin, and Ascend Academy Africa. He previously held board positions at UTIMCO, The Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and The Higher Education Coordinating Board. Gauntt graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration and subsequently a Master of Business Administration. He also played college baseball at The University of Texas at Austin.

David Gentry is the Senior Director for the People Team at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. In this role, he serves as an integral executive member, with a focus on building and executing strategic human resources (HR) planning in the areas of talent management, talent development, security, and general affairs for the 4,500-plus employees at Samsung’s Austin and Taylor manufacturing sites. Gentry has worked for global companies throughout his career. Prior to joining Samsung Austin Semiconductor, he was the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at HID Global and held various HR roles at Qualcomm. During his career, he has worked across all functions of HR and has experience conducting business internationally as an expat living in China and leading global teams. Gentry is originally from California but moved to Austin six years ago. He has a BS in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and an MBA from the University of San Diego.

Dr. Steven Gentile, EdD, currently serves as the Executive Director at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), where he has had a transformative journey from his initial role as Assistant Director of Fiscal Policy to his prior role as Chief Policy and Strategy Officer. Before joining THEC, Gentile served as the Assistant Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at his alma mater, Davidson College, in North Carolina. In addition to his THEC responsibilities, he finds great joy in engaging with students in the classroom when he teaches education policy at Vanderbilt University. His hands-on work in designing courses, preparing lectures and seminars, and assessing and developing education policy students strengthens his ability to affect change through higher education policy. He also engages in higher education research with current and former colleagues, investigating the effects of initiatives like the Tennessee Promise scholarship and mentoring program on student debt, changes in federal PLUS loan regulations on HBCU enrollment, and the role of lottery earmarks in appropriation volatility. Gentile received his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Education from Vanderbilt, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Davidson College. He is also an alumnus of Leadership Tennessee NEXT, Nashville Emerging Leaders, and the Tennessee Higher Education Innovation and Leadership Fellows program.

Kathleen Gibson is the Managing Director for CH Investment Partners, where she focuses on expanding the firm’s reach by cultivating new relationships and communicating its story, expertise, and unique investment capabilities. Before joining CH Investment Partners, Gibson served as President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation for 11 years. She was the first woman to lead the foundation, growing its assets and endowment to over $1 billion during her tenure. Prior to that, she held significant roles in financial services at Citibank, where she was President of Texas and Central US Commercial, and at Bank of America, where she served in various capacities including Head of Asset Management Risk, President of Southwest US Private Banking, Head of Southwest Corporate Banking, and President of Bank of America Dallas. Gibson has been actively involved in the community and across Texas, serving on the boards of Southwestern Medical Foundation, Texas A&M Foundation, The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M, Texas Higher Education Foundation, Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations, Visiting Nurses Association of Texas, and LaunchBio, among others. She has been recognized by Texas A&M as a Distinguished Alumnus, by the Dallas Business Journal as a Top 25 Industry Leader in “Women in Business,” and by Profiles in Diversity Journal in the 10th Annual “Women Worth Watching” edition.

Clayton Gibson has served at the University of North Texas (UNT) as Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer since June 2021. He is responsible for all aspects of budgeting and finance, as well as facilities, public safety, risk management and asset management, parking, and transportation. Prior to joining UNT, Gibson was the Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL, where he served since August 2012. Prior to that, he worked for several years in the private sector, most recently for professional services company Ernst & Young, where he worked with multiple Fortune 500 companies across banking, real estate investment, insurance, and consumer products, as well as government agencies and not-for-profits. Gibson is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, board secretary for Texas Association of College & University Business Officers, and he serves on various committees for the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges both as a committee chair and Finance Special Reader for the board. Gibson earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from South Carolina State University and his master’s degree in accountancy from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame. He strongly believes in transparent budgeting and the value of education in driving statewide innovation and as a social mobility tool to empower all.

Carrie Gits is the Director of Digital Learning at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. She is a dedicated digital learning advocate with over two decades of experience supporting student success and faculty innovation in higher education. In her role at the THECB, she leads strategic initiatives that advance open educational resources and foster high-quality digital learning experiences in Texas and beyond. Gits currently leads the development of a robust, statewide course-sharing program. She is a passionate advocate for leveraging technology to create more equitable and student-centered learning environments. Before joining the THECB in 2022, Gits worked as an academic librarian and library manager at institutions in Illinois, Florida, and Texas. As an early champion of open education, she has played a pivotal role in expanding access to affordable, engaging course materials. Gits holds a B.A. in Spanish and Cultural Anthropology from Augustana College and an M.A. in Foreign Language and Literature, as well as a Master of Library and Information Science, from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Shannon Goodman joined the University of North Texas (UNT) in 2015 as the founding Vice President for Enrollment. He is responsible for building an enrollment management operation that achieves sustainable enrollment growth while balancing both quality and accessibility. As a transformational leader in higher education, Goodman’s impact at UNT has enabled the institution to experience sustained record enrollment growth of 23% since his arrival, and today, UNT is the fourth-largest university in Texas, with over 46,000 students. Goodman's focus on operational and process transformation has enabled UNT’s growth to be responsible for 52% of all net new students in higher education across Texas between 2019-2023. Goodman has more than 35 years of experience in higher education, working in proprietary, community college, and public universities, serving in both technical and functional roles. This experience has allowed him to bring a data-forward approach to his work. His experiences working in various higher education sectors, across multiple states, and within complex university systems provide a strong and unique combination of technical and business acumen. This experience led to an opportunity to spend nearly 10 years consulting for numerous higher education institutions, leading them through enterprise resource planning implementations of their student systems and helping those institutions reengineer many of their business practices to promote growth and economic stability. Goodman holds an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a B.S. in Advertising from Arizona State University.

Jay Graham is Chairman and CEO of Spur Energy Partners. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and has served SPE in various capacities, including as a member of the SPE Gulf Coast Section Board of Directors, Community Services Committee chair, inaugural board member of the Emerging Leadership Program, and as Scholarship Committee chair. He also received the SPE Outstanding Young Member Service Award in 2024. Graham is a member of the Texas A&M School of Petroleum Engineering Industry Advisory Board, the College of Engineering Advisory Council, and the 12th Man Foundation Board of Directors. He is former chairman of the American Heart Association Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award and former director of the Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association. Graham was appointed to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2019. He serves as chairman of the Committee on Finance and as a member of the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs. He served as chairman of the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs, as chairman of the presidential search committee at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, and as a member of the search committee for Texas A&M University-San Antonio. He also serves as vice chairman of The Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company and on the University Lands Advisory Board. Graham received a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University.

Melissa Henderson is the Associate Commissioner for Strategic Partnerships for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Executive Director for the Texas Higher Education Foundation. In this dual role, she serves on the Commissioner of Higher Education’s executive team and leads the foundation’s work to identify resources and build partnerships with the philanthropic community to achieve the strategic priorities and goals of the agency. She brings to the foundation nearly a decade of working closely with philanthropic partners from across Texas and the nation to build coalitions aimed at streamlining pathways for students into, through, and beyond postsecondary education into the workforce. Immediately prior to joining the THECB and the foundation, she launched and led the postsecondary policy portfolio for Educate Texas, a public/private initiative of the Communities Foundation of Texas. In this capacity, she developed and executed the organization’s strategy to educate and inform policymakers about key issues shaping the higher education policy dialogue in Texas. She also previously served as legislative director for a member of the Texas House of Representatives, responsible for advising him on P-12 and postsecondary education in his capacity as a House Higher Education Committee member. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin.

Rebeca Hernandez is a transfer student from Palo Alto Community College to The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), majoring in criminal justice. At UTSA, she has focused on pre-law, completing the Summer Law School Preparation Academy and enrolling in a mock trial course. These opportunities have opened many doors, with the goal to attend law school after completing her undergraduate studies. Hernandez gained valuable experience interning in the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and serving as a legal assistant intern at The Gordon Law Firm. Through these roles, she developed strong research and writing skills, which she believes are essential for success in law. In the short term, she plans to apply to law schools, with the long-term aspiration of practicing criminal law. Education is a powerful tool for change, and Hernandez actively seeks opportunities for connection and mentorship within her community.

Nelly R. Herrera is the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel for the Texas State University System (TSUS). Prior to joining TSUS, Herrera worked with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, where she began her legal career as a law clerk. She first worked in the Consumer Protection Division but soon moved to the Tort Litigation Division, where she defended numerous governmental agencies throughout the state. She was promoted to Division Chief of the Tort Litigation Division, serving for 16 years under both Democratic and Republican Attorneys General. Herrera began her career with TSUS as an Associate General Counsel assigned to Texas State University in San Marcos. She served as Deputy General Counsel from 2017 until 2020, when she assumed the role of Vice Chancellor and General Counsel. She oversees the Office of General Counsel, providing legal services to seven member institutions across Texas. She provides legal advice to the TSUS Board of Regents, Chancellor, and other TSUS and campus-level leadership. She is board certified in personal injury trial law. Herrera is a magna cum laude graduate of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and received her Juris Doctor degree from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law.

Dr. Sonia L. Jasso, PhD, is the Director of High School Programs at Palo Alto College. She has a broad background in higher education that spans over a decade of dedicated service. She has guided numerous critical campus operations throughout her leadership roles, including student services, academic affairs, enrollment management, community outreach, athletics, dual enrollment initiatives, international programs, student success and engagement initiatives, and campus-wide retention strategies. A native of Eagle Pass in South Texas and a proud first-generation college student, Jasso channels her personal journey and professional expertise into empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential. Her commitment to education and community service is reflected in her current role. Additionally, she imparts her knowledge and experience as a faculty member in the School of Business at Our Lady of the Lake University and the School of Professional Studies at the University of the Incarnate Word. Beyond her professional roles, she serves as the board president of the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness Board, a City of San Antonio Affirmative Action Advisory Committee member, and a board member of Texas Women in Higher Education. Jasso holds a PhD in Leadership Studies from Our Lady of the Lake University, a Master of Public Administration from The University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas Tech University. Her blend of personal and professional dedication continues to inspire and significantly impact her community and the field of higher education.

Isaiah Johnson is a student at Prairie View A&M University, pursuing a degree in architecture and construction science. His deep-seated passion for this field was ignited during his childhood, where he spent hours building intricate structures with LEGO sets, combined with his love for sketching, which fueled his creativity. He dreams of becoming an architect who crafts innovative and welcoming spaces that can be enjoyed by all. Johnson firmly believes that architecture should transcend barriers, and just as buildings can be inclusive, so, too, should his designs reflect a commitment to creating environments where everyone feels valued and at home.

Dr. Brenda S. Kays, EdD, is the President of Kilgore College. Her career as a community college educator, both in Texas and North Carolina, spans close to 40 years and includes the roles of faculty member, chief student services officer, chief instructional officer, and college president. Prior to being named the ninth president of Kilgore College in 2016, Kays served as the fourth president of Stanly Community College in North Carolina and is the first woman to serve in both of those capacities. Kays holds and has held membership in numerous local, state, and national organizations, including most recently the board of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Executive Council; board president for the Texas Association of Community Colleges; member of the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement: Rural Leader Learning Community; board president for Arts!Longview; and a member of Rotary International. Her influence was particularly evident in the fall of 2021, when she was appointed to the Texas Commission on Community College Finance by Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Dade Phelan. This appointment led to the historic House Bill 8 and the allocation of over $683 million to fund a dynamic outcomes-based model for Texas Community Colleges. Kays earned her doctorate in applied technology, training, and development from the University of North Texas. She has a master’s degree in counseling from Midwestern State University and is a licensed professional counselor.

Effective August 2024, Sarah Keyton was named the Interim Commissioner of Higher Education by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Keyton has served as the Deputy Commissioner of Administration since May 2022, where she has been responsible for advanced, senior-level planning, organization, and execution of core administrative functions. As Deputy Commissioner, she led agency administration, including financial services, human resources, information technologies and security, and state funding to advance THECB’s strategic priorities. Before joining the THECB, Keyton served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for State Relations for the Texas Tech University System, where she was responsible for developing legislative and budget priorities and coordinating with system administration and elected officials. She also worked for 14 years at the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), including four legislative sessions as Assistant Director, where she served as the LBB’s liaison to the Texas House of Representatives, oversaw the development of budget analysis and recommendations, and provided oversight and direction for agency operations. Keyton earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Houston and received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law.

Leilani Lamb is the Director of Higher Education and Workforce Strategy at Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Lamb has years of experience working at the intersection of higher education programs and policy and a talent for translating evidence-based programmatic successes into scalable policy recommendations. At the Meadows Institute, she manages a portfolio of projects designed to improve mental health care for youth and young adults across the state and supports the team’s policy analysis and implementation work. Prior to joining the Meadows Institute, Lamb worked at Educate Texas as the Policy and Advocacy Associate charged with supporting and growing the organization’s extensive K-12, effective teaching, and higher education policy portfolios.

Diana Lopez is a 25-year-old criminal justice student at Texas A&M University and a student intern at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Lopez was born in Managua, Nicaragua, and raised there until she was 10 years old. She is married and will graduate from college next semester. Her hobbies include spending time with her family and loved ones, binge-watching her favorite shows, and visiting new coffee shops.

Nancy Luthe serves as the Director of Success Coaches at Grayson College, where she oversees the Advising Office and Career Center. With 23 years of experience in higher education and 20 years in academic advising, she is dedicated to supporting the college’s mission of student success. Luthe focuses on retention efforts aimed at fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. Additionally, she co-chairs the GC Quality Enhancement Plan Steering Committee, which emphasizes early career planning and proactive advising. Luthe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and has a background as a television news producer, assignment editor, and reporter.

Stephanie Marken is a Senior Partner at Gallup leading its U.S. custom research division, which includes research programs Gallup performs on behalf of foundations, agencies, corporations, and higher education institutions. She is responsible for the strategic direction of Gallup’s research in education, workforce development, climate, technology, and the social sciences, which includes complex, multimode qualitative and quantitative research projects. Before her current role, Stephanie served as Chief Methodologist for Gallup. She was responsible for the sample design, data collection approach, and methodology for Gallup's public release studies in education and workforce development areas. Prior to joining Gallup, Stephanie was a researcher in the education division at Westat, a research firm specializing in complex social science studies for the federal government, state agencies, and foundations. While at Westat, Stephanie worked on large-scale, complex, multimode education studies for the U.S. Department of Education, including the National Household Education Survey, Postsecondary Education Quick Information System, Fast Response Survey System, Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, and other quantitative and qualitative research projects for education foundations and organizations. Stephanie received her bachelor's degree in political science from Elon University and her master's degree in survey research from the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Laura Marmolejo, EdD, currently serves as the Dean of Advanced Manufacturing at Austin Community College (ACC), bringing a wealth of experience to her role. Prior to this, she held several key positions at the college, including Associate Dean, Department Chair, Head of Instruction for Continuing Education, and full-time faculty member. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Marmolejo has dedicated her career to supporting engineering technology and advanced manufacturing academic programs, as well as leading non-credit continuing education initiatives. Over the past decade, she has prioritized collaboration with local manufacturing companies to develop educational training programs designed to not only prepare students for employment but to also facilitate rapid upskilling opportunities. As Associate Dean of Advanced Manufacturing, Marmolejo successfully managed and integrated credit and non-credit programs, creating a seamless and comprehensive educational experience for ACC students. Beyond academia, Marmolejo has over 10 years of industry experience as a manufacturing engineer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, a master’s degree in metallurgical engineering, and a doctorate in education.

Brian McCall, PhD, is Chancellor of the Texas State University System, the first university system established in Texas, comprising seven institutions with more than 90,000 students and 16,000 faculty and staff. McCall serves as chair of the National Association of System Heads, the association of chief executive officers of 65 college and university systems across the United States. Previously, he served as chair of Texas' Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellors, a position to which he was elected by the state's 38 public university presidents and six chancellors, and was President of Westminster Capital Corporation, an investment firm focused on acquisitions primarily in software and technology. He also operates Snow Hill Farm north of Dallas. McCall holds a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University, spent a year as a visiting postgraduate student at Oxford University, and earned a doctoral degree from The University of Texas at Dallas.

Melissa McGuire has served as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of North Texas (UNT) since 2019, and prior to that was the Assistant Vice President since 2012. She is responsible for overseeing the engagement activities within the Division of Student Affairs, including Orientation and Transition Programs, Student Activities, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Leadership and Service, TRIO Programs, Student Veteran Services, The First-Generation Success Center, Center for Belonging and Engagement, and Special Projects in the Division, which includes the Distinguished Lecture Series. She started work at UNT in 2006 as the first Coordinator of Parent Programs. McGuire received her bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from Texas State University, her master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University, and her PhD in Higher Education from UNT.

Dr. Jeremy McMillen became Grayson College's fifth president in July 2012, bringing his own experience as a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s and master’s in sociology and a doctorate in higher education from Texas A&M University-Commerce. He believes in the transformative power of higher education and encourages Grayson College to CONNECT students to the college and their careers, COMMIT to their studies, and COMPLETE their degrees. Under his leadership, Grayson College has launched accelerated eight-week courses, expanded dual credit offerings, developed a robust Center for Workplace Learning, initiated the Advanced Manufacturing Program, and created the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The college has also increased student engagement in athletics and campus activities and launched the Texoma Promise to enhance local college attendance. Grayson College has been recognized as a Leader College with Distinction by Achieving the Dream and has received special recognition for reducing equity gaps in course completion and graduation. A native of North Texas, McMillen is dedicated to building Texoma. His community involvement includes the Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team, the Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Texas Association of Community Colleges. In 2020, he was named the Association of Community College Trustees CEO of the Year for the Western Region. McMillen believes that when Grayson College succeeds, individuals thrive, communities grow, and the regional economy prospers.

Keino McWhinney serves as Secretary of the Board of Regents and Special Advisor to the Chancellor at the Texas Tech University System (TTU System). McWhinney was named to his position on Dec. 1, 2019. McWhinney assists the Board of Regents members in their duties and acts as a liaison between the board and TTU System personnel. He is responsible for producing materials and coordinating logistics for all meetings of the board and its committees. McWhinney has spent almost 15 years with the TTU System. He began his tenure in 2009, spending seven years as a Special Assistant to the President at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). Between January and September 2014, McWhinney served in a dual role: He was also the interim Director of Operations for the Garrison Institute on Aging at TTUHSC. He then briefly lived in Springfield, Missouri, before returning to Texas to serve as Director of the Texas Tech Mental Health Institute from May 2018 to April 2020.

Dr. Victoria McWilliams is a distinguished professional in higher education administration. She is the Senior Manager of the foster care Hand In Hand Support Program at Dallas College. She earned her PhD in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Texas and has dedicated her career to enhancing retention and persistence among special populations in higher education. McWilliams has a robust academic background, including an MSSW in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Science in History from Texas Woman’s University. Her professional journey includes significant roles at Dallas College and The University of Texas at Arlington, where she developed and implemented numerous programs to support at-risk and foster care students. In her current role, McWilliams leads with a collaborative approach, fostering partnerships with internal and external agencies to address barriers to student success. Her use of data-driven strategies to improve student support services ensures academic success and equitable opportunities for foster care students across seven campuses, making everyone feel included in her initiatives. An experienced educator, she also teaches various courses to enhance student learning and retention. Her commitment to student success is further demonstrated through her instrumental role in developing summer bridge programs and academic coaching initiatives, which have significantly improved student outcomes.

Karla Metzler is a prominent leader, serving as the chair of the Board of Regents at North Central Texas College (NCTC). Her term on the board spans over a decade, and in this role, she helps provide strategic direction for the institution. Metzler also is currently serving as secretary to the Community College of Texas Trustees, where she has served on the board for four years. She has a long-standing history of community engagement, previously serving as the board president of the North Texas Medical Center. Beyond her involvement with NCTC, Metzler is connected to the business world through her role as the owner of Strategic Technology Partners of Texas, which operates as a Xerox Corporation Document Technology Partner. She resides in Gainesville, Texas, where she maintains a strong presence in both business and community service sectors, demonstrating a commitment to education and local development.

Stephen Moret is the President and CEO of Strada Education Foundation. In his career, he has crafted public-private partnerships and higher education and workforce development programs that have enabled tens of thousands of people to secure better jobs. Moret previously served as CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), where he led Virginia’s successful bid for Amazon’s HQ2. At VEDP, he collaborated with university presidents and policymakers to design and implement Virginia’s $1.1 billion Tech Talent Investment Program and to create the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. Before VEDP, Moret served as Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development (LED), as CEO of the LSU Foundation, and as a consultant with McKinsey. Moret created two of America’s top-ranked state workforce development programs: LED FastStart and the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program. His work has been recognized in The Economist, Forbes, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. Moret earned an MBA from Harvard and a doctorate in higher education from the University of Pennsylvania, where his research focused on links between higher education and the labor market.

Kimberley Nañez is the Executive Director of the Student Academic Success Center at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. From 2005-2007, Nañez worked as an adjunct history instructor at San Antonio College. From 2007-2015, she worked as an academic advisor at The University of Texas at San Antonio (TAMU-San Antonio) in the College of Sciences. In 2015, she transitioned to the role of the Director of the Student Academic Success Center at TAMU-San Antonio, managing academic coaching, tutoring services, supplemental instruction, the Testing Center, the Texas Success Initiative, theDream.US scholarship program, and foster support services. In 2019, TAMU-San Antonio was awarded a $130,000 grant for foster youth, the Bexar County Fostering Education and Success program. TAMU-San Antonio is a partner with The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Alamo Colleges, the Bexar County Court System, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and CASA. These entities work together to support foster youth transitioning to college. TAMU-San Antonio has been awarded the grant every year since 2019, and the grant is now in the base budget of UTSA. Nañez and her team manage the grant at TAMU-San Antonio, which has helped the foster program grow from 49 students to over 100. Nañez earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas A&M University and her Master of Arts in History from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Amy O’Keefe, founder and Executive Director of CARE (Campus Alliance for Resource Education) at Texas Woman's University, focuses on supporting underserved students—student parents, veterans, students who have experienced foster care, and students in crisis—by providing wraparound services and facilitating emergency aid. Over the last 20 years, she has led innovative efforts to improve student experiences and outcomes. O’Keefe earned her bachelor’s degree at Miami University of Ohio and her master’s degree in student affairs administration at Southern Illinois University. She loves a good laugh, conspiring on capers and chowing down on killer nachos. But most of all, she loves being inspired by students’ triumphs.

Dr. Zainab Okolo, EdD, is a seasoned expert in higher education policy and mental health, dedicating her career to breaking down barriers for students, enabling them to thrive academically and lead fulfilling lives. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations at The Jed Foundation, she leverages her extensive experience to strengthen the organization's national and state-level presence. Okolo collaborates with external networks to advocate for increased federal, state, and local support for a comprehensive approach to mental health and suicide prevention. As a trauma-informed, licensed mental health clinician, she has provided crucial support to individuals, families, and institutions, emphasizing strategies to overcome stress and anxiety. With over a decade of professional experience in higher education research and student services, she remains a staunch advocate for increased and equitable access to high-quality mental health services for all youth. Okolo holds a doctorate in education from The George Washington University, a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Syracuse University, and a bachelor's degree in family science from the University of Maryland, College Park. A native of Washington, D.C., her work continues to contribute to advancing inclusive and accessible mental health policy and practices.

Dr. Stacy Priniski, PhD, is an Assistant Research Professor at The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University. Priniski is a social and educational psychologist with a passion for working directly with basic needs practitioners, bridging the research and practice areas at The Hope Center. She applies her extensive experience establishing collaborative, multisite research projects to lead the Student Basic Needs Survey effort and to coordinate the Hope Impact Partnerships (HIP) program, through which colleges and universities across the country partner with The Hope Center to collect student-level data on students’ basic needs and experiences in college and to engage in programming and coaching to help HIP partners leverage data to improve their campus basic needs ecosystem.

Nicole Quintero graduated from the Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences in 2021, where she earned an Associate of Arts, PTCB certification, and a high school diploma. During her time at the academy, she developed a strong foundation in the biological sciences, which sparked her passion for healthcare. Continuing her education, Quintero attended the University of North Texas, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in chemistry in 2023. Her coursework provided her with a comprehensive understanding of biological systems as well as hands-on experience in laboratory settings. Quintero intends to pursue further education in medicine and public health, aspiring to transform the healthcare landscape by educating the public on how medicine can serve as a preventive measure rather than something to fear.

A first-generation Mexican American, Elias Ramirez is recognized for his impactful community service in Galveston County, including being a finalist for the Galveston Daily News Citizen of the Year 2024. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in public service leadership at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, he is expected to graduate in spring of 2025. His plans include furthering his education with a master's degree in public administration and obtaining his law degree. In addition to his studies, Ramirez serves as a program coordinator at the Galveston County Food Bank, an Emerging Leader Board Member with the Texas Network of Youth Services, and an alumnus of the Texas PACE Student Advisory Council. He also serves as a Lifeline of Galveston County board member, advocating for animal welfare, and the parliamentarian for LULAC Council #255. For the city of Texas City, his hometown, Ramirez chairs the Community Development Block Grant Citizens Advisory Committee and the Keep Texas City Beautiful Committee. He is an active Mainland Toastmasters member and a member of the League of Women Voters Galveston. His commitment to community service is further demonstrated by his co-founding of the Hispanic Business Network of Galveston County and his management of local and state political campaigns, where he developed voter-centric messaging for Galveston County. Ramirez is passionate about community service and aims to inspire others to create positive change.

Dr. Richard M. Rhodes, PhD, currently serves as President of Texas A&M University-Central Texas (TAMUCT). Prior to joining TAMUCT, he retired from Austin Community College District, where he served as Chancellor for 12 years working to improve pathways into higher education, strengthen the awareness of the community college mission, and give students the tools to accomplish their goals. Before joining ACC, he served as President of El Paso Community College for 10 years and Vice President for Business Services at Salt Lake Community College for seven years. Rhodes’ professional associations include past chair of American Association of Community Colleges, founding chair of Trellis Foundation, chair of Trellis Company, ACT board member, vice chair for Capital Area Council of Boy Scouts, past chair of Texas Association of Community Colleges, and board member of Texas Workforce Investment Council. Rhodes is active in the community, serving as past chair of the board for American YouthWorks as well as co-chair of Communities in Schools Central Texas Leadership Circle and the Austin Area Research Organization. Rhodes received a BBA in Accounting and Master of Arts in Educational Management and Development from New Mexico State University. He earned a doctorate through the Community College Leadership Program at The University of Texas at Austin, receiving its Distinguished Graduate Award in 2001, and is a CPA in Texas and New Mexico.

Eva Rios-Lleverino has been with Capital IDEA since its launch in 1998. As Capital IDEA’s Deputy Executive Director, she plays an instrumental role in leading the organization’s programmatic operations and administration. She has more than 25 years of experience in the higher education and nonprofit sectors. Rios-Lleverino was selected as a McBee Fellow by the Austin Area Research Organization in 2014 and was named an Emerging Leader in 2012 through Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders’ Leadership Program. She is a 2007 graduate of the Hispanic Austin Leadership Class and a 2004 recipient of the Austin Business Journal’s Rising Star Award. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Texas A&M International University. Her passion for Capital IDEA’s mission is centered on a desire to provide opportunities for people to have a better future and to see lives changed forever.

Augustin “Augie” Rivera, Jr., is the General Counsel for the Del Mar College District in Corpus Christi, Texas. Rivera joined Del Mar College’s administration in 2015 after more than 27 years of working as a civil trial and appellate lawyer throughout South Texas. His representation of Del Mar College began in 2005, when he was engaged to serve as the External Board Counsel. His professional credentials include admission to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, and several U.S. District Courts. He is an elected member of the American Law Institute and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Rivera is a frequent speaker on higher ed topics, including community college board ethics and governance, and free speech, and has presented nationally before the Association of Community College Trustees, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA). He is a past board member for NACUA and serves on the board of the Texas Association of Community College Attorneys. He also serves as chair of the Texas Board of Law Examiners and is treasurer of the Hispanic Issues Section of the State Bar of Texas for 2024-25. Born and raised in Driscoll, Texas, Rivera is a graduate of Yale University and Stanford Law School. He was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1988.

Dr. Melissa Roberts Becker, EdD, is a Professor and Associate Dean for Off-Campus Education with Tarleton State University. She has taught in public school and university classrooms for over 30 years. In higher education, Becker has worked with recruitment and retention efforts in partnership with area community colleges. Her research interests include integration of instructional technology, child development, and student transition from community colleges to four-year institutions. She is a proud alumnus of Howard Payne University, University of Southern Mississippi, and Baylor University.

Dr. Wynn Rosser, PhD joined the T.L.L. Temple Foundation in August 2016 as president and CEO. He previously served almost 10 years as the chief executive of Greater Texas Foundation. Prior to Greater Texas Foundation, Rosser worked for 14 years at Texas A&M University in faculty, staff, and senior administrative roles. Rosser is past chair of the Grantmakers for Education Board of Directors and is an alumnus of the Texas Lyceum. An advocate for Texas public education, Rosser is past chair of Philanthropy Advocates. He currently serves as president and board chair of Texas Rural Funders and co-chairs the National Center for Family Philanthropy’s Rural Funders Network. He is a lecturer in the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Rosser earned an associate degree from Kilgore College and baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University. Additionally, Rosser completed emergency medical technician training through the School of EMS. He is a nationally registered and Texas state-licensed EMT. Rosser comes from an education family—his wife, Dr. Manda Hays Rosser, PhD was a faculty member at Texas A&M University; his father was a high school agricultural science teacher for more than 30 years; Rosser’s father-in-law recently retired from the faculty of Amarillo College, and his mother-in-law served as a local school board member for 16 years.

Dr. April Sanders, PhD, is the Interim Dean in the College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she works with eight competency-based education programs. Previously, Sanders served as the Associate Dean in the College of Innovation and Design and is an associate professor with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Sanders received her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in language and literacy from the University of North Texas. Prior to entering higher education, she taught English to middle school and high school students and worked as a K-12 language arts curriculum specialist.

Luke Schwartz is currently a second-year medical student at The University of Texas at Tyler (UTT) School of Medicine. He is also currently pursuing an Executive Master of Business with an emphasis in healthcare management through The Soules College of Business at UTT. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Texas A&M University and an Associate of Science in Biology from Tyler Junior College. Schwartz has always had a passion for education and is especially passionate about enhancing access to higher education for all. This passion led him to an appointment by Governor Greg Abbott as the student representative to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he works closely with the agency and board to enhance higher education across the state. In his free time, Schwartz enjoys traveling, cooking, snowboarding, and listening to live music. After graduating from medical school, he plans to pursue a residency in emergency medicine and a fellowship in wilderness medicine. His long-term goals include teaching at a medical school and eventually taking a leadership role at an academic institution.

Sara Scudder is the College and Career Access Officer at the Idaho State Board of Education. She began her career at a survey research firm, where her analytical thinking and aptitude for numbers led to rapid promotion and recognition by the Idaho Department of Labor. Over the next decade, she developed expertise in career development, team building, marketing, and systems training. While at the Department of Labor, she played a key role in launching and promoting several statewide initiatives, including the Future in Action AmeriCorps project, the Inspiring Futures VISTA program, and the Idaho Career Information System (CIS). Scudder continues her impactful work at the Idaho State Board of Education, where she manages multiple state education programs, including Idaho’s direct admissions program, the common college application (Apply Idaho), state scholarships, and Next Steps Idaho, a homegrown college and career advising platform. Scudder earned her undergraduate degree in political science from Auburn University and a master's degree in economics from Cal State University-East Bay.

Karen Serna is the Director of Student Financial Wellness and Financial Aid Outreach at Austin Community College (ACC), where she actively contributes to strategic planning, program development, and team leadership. Serna has worked in financial stability and asset building for over 20 years and became the first Director of the ACC Student Money Management Office in 2016. Under her leadership, over 19,000 students have participated in live financial literacy workshops, 18,000 have participated in a text message intervention, and 1,000 have opened incentivized savings accounts through a partnership with a local credit union. Serna’s research has appeared in the Community College Journal of Research and Practice, the Journal of Multidisciplinary Graduate Research, and the Journal of Applied Research in the Community College. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education at Texas Tech University, where her research focuses on the relationship between housing insecurity and academic performance among community college students. Her dedication to financial wellness and education is driven by her belief in the importance of financial stability for academic success and overall well-being. Serna holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Ethics from St. Edward’s University and has her Accredited Financial Counselor® designation.

Todd Serpico has been with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services for 13 years, where he currently serves as the Division Administrator of Transitional Living Services at the state office. He has been working with youth and families for more than 25 years. He also serves on the board of directors for Education Reach for Texans, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting a culture of care for Texans with experience in foster care as they pursue postsecondary education.

D'Wayne Shaw is the Executive Dean of Professional and Career Education at Kilgore College. After high school, Shaw pursued his passion for automotive technology at a technical school. He gained valuable experience as a technician working for two GM dealerships before accepting a position at Kilgore College as an automotive instructor. At Kilgore College, he played a pivotal role in expanding the automotive program. Under his leadership, the program grew from a single-instructor format to a nationally certified program with three full-time instructors and two dual credit locations. His expertise in dual credit education made him the ideal candidate for Kilgore College's first Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit Director, while also serving as the Industrial Technologies Department Chair. His commitment to CTE extended to the state level, where he worked with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to help update and revise courses in the Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM), ensuring consistency in CTE courses across Texas. As Dean of Public Safety and Industrial Technologies at Kilgore College, Shaw spearheaded the growth of short-term continuing education (CE) programs, leading to the creation of a dedicated CE department. In this role, he worked closely with businesses, industries, and economic development corporations to drive workforce training and development. Shaw serves as chair of both the WECM Advisory Committee and the Workforce Education Stakeholders Workgroup, and as the president of the board of directors for the Texas Association of College Technical Educators.

Dr. Michelle Singh, PhD, is the inaugural Assistant Commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Division of Digital Learning. A strategic visionary, she brings expertise in digital ecosystem development, artificial intelligence, open education, and change management. With a unique multidisciplinary background in computer science, counseling, and educational leadership, Singh champions a human-centered approach to innovation, effectively bridging technological advancements with academic community needs. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing artificial intelligence, business intelligence, and data-informed strategic change initiatives. Her extensive service includes chairing the Texas Distance Learning Association Board, serving on the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) Board of Directors, founding and chairing the Texas A&M University System Council for Academic Technology and Innovative Education, and chairing both the Learning Technology Advisory Committee and the South Texas Higher Education Regional Council. Throughout her 20-plus-year career in higher education, Singh has received numerous accolades, including induction into the Texas Digital Learning Association (TxDLA) Hall of Fame, the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications Trailblazer Honor, and the USDLA International Outstanding Leadership Award. She was also awarded the TxDLA Don Foshee Leadership Award, received the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi College of Education and Human Development Achievement Distinction, and was named among Corpus Christi's Top Under 40 in 2020.

Leah Smalley is the Senior Director of Resource Development in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Student Financial Aid Programs division. Since joining the THECB in 2016, she has been instrumental in overseeing the division's resource development and external communication efforts. In her current role, Smalley leads a team dedicated to ensuring that state financial aid resources, including websites, training materials, and external artifacts, align with statutory and operational requirements. Prior to her work at the THECB, Smalley gained valuable experience in the private sector, providing institutional support and training for federal financial aid programs. She is passionate about sharing knowledge and resources to help others understand and effectively administer financial aid programs. She is committed to bridging knowledge gaps and empowering individuals to confidently promote higher education.

Dr. Ashley Spicer-Runnels, EdD, joined the Texas State University System (TSUS) in March 2022 as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic and Health Affairs. In this role, she works collaboratively with institutions to support academic strategy and student success initiatives, as well as the development and implementation of systemwide strategic partnerships with business, industry, government agencies, and nonprofit partners to drive innovation and create meaningful social impact. Prior to joining TSUS, she served as the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Texas Prior to joining TSUS, she served as the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, where she worked closely with deans and other administrators to create policies and procedures to support student and academic success and degree completion. She also served as Assistant Vice President for Student Success, where she oversaw new student/transition programming and student support initiatives. Prior to her tenure at A&M-San Antonio, she held positions at Texas State University and Lamar University, where her portfolio included programs and services in leadership development, family programs, Greek life, orientation/transition programs, multicultural programming, shuttle services, community service, and student conduct. Spicer-Runnels holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, as well as a Master of Business Administration from University of Houston-Victoria, and a bachelor’s degree in family studies from Lamar University. She is an active member of the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators, a Gallup-Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Cassie Taylor is an Associate Managing Director at ideas42, focusing on applying and scaling behavioral insights in postsecondary education. She works with state agencies, nonprofits, and colleges and universities to create behaviorally informed designs that remove barriers to equitable access and completion of high-quality credentials. Prior to joining ideas42, Cassie managed the Behavioral Economics and Decision Research Policy Lab at Carnegie Mellon University. She holds an A.B. in Psychology from Princeton University and an M.S. in Education Technology and Applied Learning Science from Carnegie Mellon's Human Computer Interaction Institute.

Tiska Thomas is the Chief Financial Officer at Dallas College. Thomas is a collaborative leader who dedicates her career to seeing the bigger picture and finding organizational solutions. With over 20 years of progressive experience across different industries, Thomas brings a refreshing perspective to the landscape of strategic finance. In her role at Dallas College, she oversees fiscal planning, including budget, treasury, procurement, records management, and all areas of accounting services. Although she works with numbers each day, she says her career is not about how well you understand math – it's how you can use strategic thinking to collaborate with others, solve roadblocks, and tell the story. Thomas credits navigating some of her career milestones to her fifth-grade teacher. While most think of their elementary school teachers as a memory, Thomas utilized her teacher as a mentor to provide sound life and career advice and to help her face any barriers along the way. Thanks to the mentorship she received, she now returns the favor and helps employees on her team reach their career goals. She looks forward to inspiring others to think outside the box and work collaboratively to find creative solutions to complex problems.

Jennifer Torres is the Deputy Director of Higher Education at Educate Texas. In this role, she helps cultivate a dynamic coalition of Texas college access leaders who are committed to transforming the landscape of college advising and enrollment in Texas through the Texas College Access Network (TxCAN). In addition to strengthening the coalition, Torres facilitates statewide professional development for college access professionals and oversees TxCAN’s communications, coordinating efforts to source and disseminate resources and updates to college access practitioners across Texas. Torres’ career as a college access leader spans more than eight years, during which she has made a meaningful impact both locally and statewide. She began her career in college access as the Program Specialist for the Southern Methodist University (SMU) College Knowledge program, where she provided comprehensive college and career guidance to students, organized campus and community programs, and coordinated districtwide initiatives aimed at fostering college and career readiness. Prior to her work in college access, she served as the Assistant Coordinator for the SMU Center for Child and Community Development, which supported educators working with English language learners. In this role, she coordinated multidistrict projects, professional development opportunities, and international institutes, including the annual Dual Language Institute in Guatemala. Torres holds a bachelor’s degree in human rights and public policy and a master’s degree in dispute resolution and conflict management from Southern Methodist University.

Michael Tramonte is the Senior Vice President of Finance and Business Services and Chief Financial Officer for the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston). In those roles, Tramonte is responsible for the financial activities as well as the overall financial results of UTHealth Houston, ensuring that the university meets its budgetary and financial commitments. His scope of responsibilities includes the budgeting, accounting, and procurement areas of UTHealth Houston, with oversight of payroll/benefits, student financial aid, pre/post-award-sponsored program administration, treasury, capital asset management, and all institutional financial reporting activities of the university. In addition, he serves as UTHealth Houston’s representative on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Health-Related Institutions Formula Advisory Committee and is currently committee chair. Tramonte is a Certified Public Accountant and graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting. He earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston and has served in several finance-related capacities within The University of Texas System since 1990.

Dr. David Troutman, PhD, serves as the Deputy Commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he leads the divisions for academic and health affairs, college and career advising, student success, digital learning, and data management and research. With nearly two decades of experience dedicated to Texas higher education, he has been instrumental in driving initiatives such as the Building a Talent Strong Texas strategic plan and the Governor’s Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative. Nationally recognized for his leadership in higher education policy and data analysis, Troutman has played a pivotal role in fostering collaborations that connect academic outcomes with labor market demands. His work with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the Postsecondary Value Commission and the Strada Education Foundation has been especially impactful in shaping strategies that enhance student success and workforce readiness. His commitment to data-driven solutions is exemplified by his founding of the Postsecondary Employment Outcomes Coalition, which unites over 30 states to highlight the economic impact of postsecondary education. Through strategic partnerships with the U.S. Census Bureau, Lumina Foundation, and other leading organizations, Troutman continues to focus on evolving educational pathways that prepare students for success in a rapidly changing workforce. Looking ahead, he remains dedicated to shaping the future of education and workforce readiness through innovative and impactful solutions.

Dr. Laurel V. Williamson, PhD, Deputy Chancellor and President of San Jacinto College, has served as academic officer of Valencia College in Florida and Lower Columbia College in Washington and Director of Curriculum Development at Southwest Mississippi Community College. Williamson is an innovative, visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in education. She is a respected leader, professor, and administrator, overseeing academic and technical programs, continuing education, and staff development and training. Williamson has presented at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Association of Community College Trustees, the International Conference on the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, and the League for Innovation. She is the recipient of the Carl M. Nelson Administrative Leadership Award from Texas Association of Community Colleges, the Outstanding Administrative Support Award from the National Association of Development Education, the Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award from the Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina, and an Instructional Leadership Award from the National Community College Chair Conference, Olympics of Leadership. Williamson holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s degree in American literature from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a doctorate degree in 19th-century American and British literature from the University of South Florida. She is a graduate of the Harvard Institute of Educational Management; has published essays, book reviews, and poetry; and is a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Dr. Jayson T. Valerio, DNP, is the Regional Healthcare Liaison at South Texas College. He brings over 28 years of expertise in medical-surgical nursing and nursing education. Joining South Texas College in 2000 as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) faculty member, Valerio advanced to Program Chair in 2011 and Dean of Nursing and Allied Health in 2015. He has spearheaded numerous initiatives addressing healthcare workforce needs, including launching the nation’s first ADN dual credit program (2018); leading the development of South Texas College’s Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum (2020); achieving initial accreditation for the BSN program (2022); establishing the first U.S. Department of Labor-approved Nursing Apprenticeship (2023); and appointment to Gov. Greg Abbott’s Texas Healthcare Task Force (2024). Valerio is an active community leader and member of several professional organizations, including the Texas Nurses’ Association, Texas Society for Advancement of Health Professions, and the Philippine Nurses Association of South Texas. He serves as Regional Southwest Director for the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing and as a member of the Philippine Nurses’ Association Advisory Board. Valerio holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from American Sentinel University and exemplifies dedication to advancing nursing education and addressing healthcare challenges through innovative leadership.

Sarah Van Cleef serves as the Vice President for Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at Tyler Junior College (TJC). She started at the college in 1999 and moved into her current role in 2011. Her responsibilities include business services, procurement, contract management, residential life and housing, financial aid, facilities and construction, and other duties as assigned. In addition to her work at TJC, Van Cleef is involved with various local and state organizations, including the THECB Standing Advisory Committee and serving on the board of directors for the Tyler Museum of Art. Van Cleef earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and her Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Tyler. She is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Texas.

Dr. Tammy Wyatt, PhD, is the Senior Vice Provost for Student Success at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where she functions as the chief student success officer providing cross-campus leadership and fostering partnerships with stakeholders both internal and external to the university. She advances initiatives supporting enrollment, student success, engagement, and the overall student experience. She establishes an ecosystem of support through data-informed programs and initiatives that serve a diverse student body, systematically improving retention and graduation rates, and creating a campus culture that values excellence, accountability, and measurable outcomes. Wyatt has been invited to speak at multiple national and international conferences, webinars, podcasts, and leadership panels discussing a variety of topics, including the evolution of student success, developing data-informed student success ecosystems, and evidence-based strategies to promote first-generation student thriving. Under Wyatt’s leadership, UTSA has seen significant improvements in student success metrics. Since 2014, UTSA has increased first-year retention by 18%, four- and six-year graduation rates by 50% and 31% respectively, and undergraduate degrees awarded by 26%. Additionally, the average time to degree has been reduced from 5.3 years to 4.3 years. UTSA has also been the recipient of multiple state and national awards, including the 2024 Eduventures Innovation Award, the 2022 National Resource Center First-Year Experience and Students in Transition’s John N. Gardner Institutional Excellence for Students in Transition Award, and the 2019 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Star Award–Resilience & Retention Advising Program.

Dr. Christina Zavala, PhD, is the Senior Director of Student Success Research in the Data Management and Research Division at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In her current role, Zavala oversees and supports the agency’s data efforts in higher education topics relating to the high school to higher education transition, college enrollment, student persistence, transfer process, and graduation. Her team is responsible for updating many of the agency’s data products, such as Data Bridge, Online Resumes, the Texas Public Higher Education Almanac, and Accountability. Over the past four years, she has worked to share data insights to support the work of the Texas Transfer Advisory Committee and several transfer legislative reports. Zavala received a PhD in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA, a Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Texas State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from The University of Texas at Austin.