Reflecting on his 36 years of service at Texas A&M University, Rick Powell got up from his seat, searched around his desk and came back with a bunch of colorful thank-you cards in his hands. Setting them down, he waved across the stack, pointing Aggies out as the reason for why he does what he does.
“Students give me cards and just keep coming back. And they refer me to their friends.”
Powell is retiring from Student Legal Services, a part of Student Life within the Division of Student Affairs, which provides legal services to students at no cost. Serving more than 40,000 Aggies during his tenure, he leaves behind a transformative legacy that embodies the Division of Student Affairs’ mission to create a supportive campus environment for every student.
Powell is often one of the first resources that concerned Aggies seek out for help. From traffic accidents to tenant disputes with landlords to last wills and testaments, he meets with students who are often going through one of their toughest times in school.
“I help students feel comfortable and I listen,” Powell said. “Then I explain their options and procedures, let them make a decision and support them as they follow through. The main goal is for students to stay in school, graduate and build a career. We address all sorts of issues — housing, traffic accidents, roommate conflicts, finances — so they can focus on class.”
The Spirit of Aggieland
Powell’s journey to Texas A&M began with a move from Arkansas to Bryan in 1981 when he joined a title company owned by 26 attorneys. Deciding to branch out on his own, he had the opportunity to help Aggies with traffic tickets and lease issues. In 1989, he immediately applied when he saw a job open up as a student attorney for Student Legal Services and has been a part of the office ever since.
He recalls how unique Texas A&M has been since he started.
“Back then, you had to account for an extra two minutes when you were walking to a meeting because you knew you would be saying ‘Howdy’ to everyone,” he said.
To this day, the spirit and camaraderie of the people who make up Texas A&M remain the same. For Powell, every day brings new interactions with students and parents, staff and faculty and the local community, and he has been tirelessly committed to providing the best service possible to students.
A Special Bond with Aggies
Over the years, students have visited Powell in every situation imaginable. Some come in with their roommates or parents. Some walk in with a broken bone or holding notes because they’ve done their research online. Some contact him on the phone or through email from the Galveston, School of Law or Health Science Center campuses.
What most of these students have in common is that they don’t have the thousands of dollars to hire a lawyer. Occasionally, students have to represent themselves in court. Whatever the issue may be, Powell hopes for students to feel confident in tackling the next steps.
“I teach them how to represent themselves, beginning from trial basics,” Powell said. “In this role, I’m like a lawyer, teacher and counselor, all rolled up into one. My goal for students is to leave my office with a smile because knowledge is power.”
His bond with students extends past those initial meetings, and his genuine dedication to students shows up in how he’s been available to support them whenever they need.
“They can come back anytime with questions,” he added. “Sometimes, there are emergencies between appointments — students call from court or even the police station. I keep moving, focused on handling one problem after another.”
Juggling multiple cases that span large swaths of legal topics, Powell undoubtedly has had a packed schedule. However, what kept him going is the personal relationships he has built, teaching students how to resolve conflicts, get back on track to graduate and launch their own professional careers. In return, he mentions how he has learned from students to stay calm in the face of major challenges, to listen and not be judgmental.
Powell’s work with Aggies goes beyond his role in Student Legal Services. He has also served as an advisor to student organizations, including Texas A&M Mock Trial, Texas A&M Moot Court and Aggieland Lions Club. In recognition of his outstanding service, 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 nearly four decades, Powell has been at the heart of the division's student-first experience, leading by example with selfless service. This character is reflected in his final piece of advice: “Good Bull is always being a good Aggie by helping each other.”