About the Division
The vision of the Division of Student Affairs at Texas A&M University is to be a preeminent, student-centered division that inspires and prepares students for a life of learning, leadership, service and citizenship in a global society. Led by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the division’s 13 departments achieve this vision and contribute to student success by cultivating an environment of inclusivity and intellectual curiosity, promoting student health, safety and well-being, strategically leveraging resources for the future, investing in our organization and through advancing our profession.
Our Mission
The Division of Student Affairs is a community of dedicated professionals who provide exceptional programs, services, and facilities that create a supportive campus environment where students feel a sense of community and have the opportunity to develop as leaders. Through a student-centered approach to engagement, learning, leadership development, and wellbeing, we instill a commitment to critical thinking, lifelong learning, and the Aggie Core Values.
Our History
The Division of Student Affairs’ story is one of continuous transformation that is built on a tradition of courage, respect, integrity and unwavering commitment to students. Founded in 1876, the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas was an all-male military institution. Membership in the Corps of Cadets was mandatory and the Corps commandant was responsible for most student activities and students. By the 1950s, President James Earl Rudder ’32 appointed Brig. Gen. James P. Hannigan as the first dean of students as the growing student population needed dedicated student support.
The new dean of students position signaled the beginning of a decade full of changes. The 1960s saw the institution name changed to Texas A&M University, enrollment in the Corps of Cadets became voluntary, and women and African Americans were admitted as students for the first time.
Anticipating even greater growth, President Jack K. Williams created a vice president position to oversee all student service functions on campus. He appointed Dr. John J. Koldus the first vice president of student services in 1973. Dr. Koldus’ goal was to establish a Division of Student Services that would be ready to serve each new generation of Aggies.
As enrollment increased over the next three decades, the Division of Student Services continued to evolve, adapting to the needs of the changing student body. After the retirement of Dr. Koldus in the early 1990s, the newly appointed vice president, Dr. J. Malon Southerland, received permission to rename Division of Student Services to the Division of Student Affairs as an effort to reflect the division’s expanding mission to support and inspire students.
Eight vice presidents have been at the helm since Dr. Sutherland’s retirement, leading the division and guiding the strategic vision to welcome all students and prepare them as global citizens,
Dr. Bill Kibler (interim during 2003)
Dr. Dean Bresciani (2004–2008)
Dr. David W. Parrott (interim during 2008)
Lt. Gen. Joseph Weber (2008–2014)
Mr. Tom Reber (interim during 2014)
Dr. Daniel Pugh Sr. (2015–2021)
BG Joe E. Ramirez, Jr., USA (Ret.) (2021–2025)
Mr. Tom Reber (interim during 2025)
Dr. Bill Kibler (2025–Present)
