By Dorian Martin ’06

Rick Powell’s superpower is listening. The Texas A&M University students’ attorney embraces an auditory approach to life, which allows him to hear ways to unravel complex situations and find points of commonality during conflict.

During the course of his 33-year career at Texas A&M, Powell has done a lot of listening when Aggies come to him with civil or criminal legal issues they are facing. “Some of these students are anxious,  stressed out and don’t know what to do,” Powell told The Battalion in 2020. “They don’t know a private attorney and often can’t afford a private attorney, and my goal is to help them get a plan as soon as possible.”

Powell began learning about the importance of listening as a child. “I discovered that listening was a way to substantially increase my learning. I began to understand other people's point of view and rationale for decisions,” he said. “Today, I ask students involved in conflicts to explain why the opposing parties are making certain decisions and to consider ways to resolve conflicts amicably.”

His interest in a legal career also emerged during childhood. “When I was a child, I listened to people discuss their conflicts and challenges,” he said. “I discovered that I had a desire to become a lawyer to be a part of the resolution process to help them have happier lives.”

The quest for justice also was a powerful theme for Powell early in life. He grew up in Arkansas during the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. “I watched bystanders and police with dogs and high-pressure water hoses attacking Black people wearing nice church clothing while they tried to peacefully march and gather for freedom,” he said. “Back then, listening to both sides, there was no basis for inequality. It was based solely on the ignorance of White people.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Arkansas Tech University and a juris doctor degree from the University of Arkansas, Powell passed the bar exams in both Arkansas and Texas. He then moved to Bryan, Texas, in 1981 to join a title company owned by 26 local attorneys. As the company’s assistant manager, Powell delved into a wide range of legal issues related to commercial and residential real estate.

After six years, Powell decided to strike out on his own professionally—which soon led to a job at Texas A&M. “When I was working for myself in a solo law office, I helped some Aggie students with legal issues,” he said. “When I heard about an available job with Student Legal Services in 1989, I did not hesitate to apply. With core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service, Aggies are some of the best clients.” 

The attorney has been widely recognized for the quality of his work with Student Legal Services, which is part of Student Life. His work includes serving as the primary adviser for three student organizations: Texas A&M Mock Trial, Texas A&M Moot Court, and Aggieland Lions Club. He received the Randy Matson Association of Former Students Award, the Texas A&M President's Meritorious Service Award, and the National Student Legal Services Inc. Award for his service to the legal community, social justice, and equality. 

Aggieland is the perfect homebase for Powell. “I quickly made friends when I moved here and discovered Bryan/College Station to be an awesome area to live and work,” said the avid outdoorsman, who enjoys golfing, cycling, fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and travel.

Powell and his wife, Trish ’76, are an integral part of the community. They have participated in the Bryan Noon Lions Club for 19 years and he served as the group’s president. He was recognized as the 2005-2006 Lion of the Year and honored with two of the Lions’ highest honors, the Melvin Jones Fellow and Jack Wiech Fellow.

Ultimately, his commitment to listening has paid dividends in many ways, including giving him a deep understanding of Aggies. “The Aggie students are intelligent and appreciate our work on their behalf,” he said. “Our future will be in their capable hands soon, as they become our world leaders.”