Restructuring of Texas A&M’s Marketing and Communications Endeavors Discussed with A&M’s Faculty Senate

Texas A&M Enhances its Marketing and Communications Efforts

On April 26, 2024, Ethan Braden, the new Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Texas A&M University, shared an enhanced plan of reorganization of the Marketing and Communications department with members of A&M’s Faculty Senate. The initiative aims to establish a robust brand presence for the University, targeting selective audiences and making the Texas A&M brand “a constant in the national conversation”, as mentioned in the April message posted on the website of Texas A&M’s President.

The restructured effort, to be supported by 164 full-time employees, has been explicitly described using two terms — ‘enchant’ and ‘remarkable’. ‘Enchant’ refers to attracting and arousing the interest of targeted audiences regarding multiple aspects of the University — from research and classes, to season tickets, campus jobs, or even relocating to College Station. ‘Remarkable’, on the other hand, signifies the objective of being a brand worthy of one’s remark and attention.

A New Chapter for Mays Business School with Historic $25M Donation

In a substantial boost to the University’s education and infrastructure, Mays Business School at Texas A&M received a substantial donation of $25 million from the Mays Family Foundation. This historic gift, the largest single donation in the Business School’s history, will financially support the construction of a new graduate education building, marking a significant step in Mays Business School’s path to becoming a premier public business school in the country.

This generous contribution continues the philanthropic endeavors of the Mays family, which now amount to a total of $72 million to Mays Business School. The fund will facilitate the development of extensive graduate programs, innovative learning experiences, and new learning opportunities aimed at fulfilling emerging requirements, such as the launch of new Mays Flex Online master’s programs and the novel Engineering MBA program.

In memory of Lowry Mays ’57, a notable alumnus who significantly contributed to the institution during his lifetime, the foundation’s donation reemphasizes the special bond between Texas A&M’s former students and their alma mater.

College Station City Council Updates ‘No More Than Four Unrelated Occupancy’ Ordinance

In another significant development, five members of the College Station City Council have green-lighted the inclusion of a civil fine to the existing “No More Than Four Unrelated Occupancy” Ordinance. This means that, in addition to the ongoing option of criminal prosecution, people found guilty of residing in residences restricted to a maximum of four unrelated occupants will also face civil penalties.

Though thoughtfully debated, the proposed amendment to the ordinance has stirred controversy among the councilmembers. This regulatory addition is also expected to be enforced within the restricted occupancy overlay (ROO) zone, where a limit of two unrelated occupants is currently in place.

Future Staffing Policies at College Station ISD

College Station ISD issued a comprehensive statement discussing its intents and plans about future staffing policies, following public comments made during the April school board meeting. The statement underscored that the ISD is not laying off employees, but rather reallocating staff within its Curriculum and Instruction department to most effectively serve the district’s expanding student population and support its teaching staff.

The district’s restructuring initiative also includes changes to intervention and enrichment services, aiming to build a holistic curriculum for enhancing both student growth and teacher development.