Student Affairs Development Council Brings Fresh Energy to Support Students and Programs

By Dorian Martin ’06

Texas A&M University’s rapidly growing enrollment has a ripple effect that spreads across the Division of Student Affairs (DSA). In addition to high aspirations of earning a degree, students often come to Aggieland committed to taking part in student organizations, many of which fall under DSA’s purview. Many students also come to campus in need of additional support that DSA provides through specific resources, short-term assistance or just a sense of home and a place to find connection.

To support these growing needs, division leadership rechartered its Development Council in 2020, and its members have become stalwart advocates for ongoing work in Student Affairs.

Renewed Energy

“We worked with Texas A&M Foundation, Student Affairs staff and other former students to envision the best possible structure and goals that would be useful and productive to Student Affairs staff and the students they serve,” said Melanie Toler ’76, co-chair of the council with her husband Bill Toler ’76. “Campus updates are available on the various university websites and various email distribution lists, so we wanted meetings and social time to be more than just a repeat of what they could read on their own. We wanted to see active engagement between council members, staff from across Student Affairs, and most of all, students.”

In the following months, the group developed new bylaws, discussed meeting formats and considered membership criteria. The group’s planning stage also coincided with a change in Student Affairs leadership as BG Joe E. Ramirez, Jr.’79 USA (Ret.) was appointed interim vice president for Student Affairs on June 3, 2021. “One of his first phone calls was to tell us that he was fully supportive of the council and things quickly took off from there,” Bill Toler said. “He also asked Keith ’78 and Julie ’95 Williams, who chaired the Aggie Spirit Development Council until it became inactive in late 2008, to serve as immediate past co-chairs on the newly formed council.”

The new council convened its first meeting in fall 2021, setting the tone and style for its work, and it now gathers twice yearly. These sessions include Student Affairs and Texas A&M Foundation updates, presentations from student leaders and program staff, and personal tours of campus locations such as a Student Affairs department office or a student organization site such as The 12th Can food pantry. Meetings include social time to ensure council members have an opportunity to meet Student Affairs leaders and staff members.

Council members quickly began creating innovative ways to interact with Aggies and discuss Student Affairs-related topics throughout the year. One such way is something called Eats and Education, or E2, a gathering that has already made a difference with several student organizations and Student Affairs programs. During an Eats and Education session, council members and other former students across Texas host evening gatherings during which guests hear from student leaders and Student Affairs staff about programs, activities and student organizations. The council has hosted five such events and two more are being planned for the fall semester.

“These casual get-togethers expand the ambassadorship network to other former students and interested parties,” Melanie Toler said. “We couldn’t be more pleased to share that one of these events resulted in a donation of a new refrigerator for The 12th Can food pantry and a cash gift to the Texas A&M BUILD student organization!”

John West ’87 and his wife Kari Lervik donated to 12th Can and BUILD after an Eats and Education session hosted by Council members Debbie and Ed Hinson ’88 in Coppell, Texas.

Engaging Resources

In addition to learning more about the Division of Student Affairs, council members serve as advocates to help the division connect to other external resources that may assist with the division’s work. “The council provides a forum for the vice president of Student Affairs to help council members more fully understand the needs of students, help address many of those needs and serve as ambassadors to share the needs of our students with others who may also help Texas A&M students with their time, talents and treasures,” Bill Toler said.

In addition to their service, council members make a voluntary commitment to support Student Affairs through annual contributions. They also help the division foster relationships with other former students and constituents who may be interested in giving or partnering with Texas A&M. Using recommendations from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, council members have the option to distribute their annual contributions to help student organizations and other worthy causes.

Ensuring Support for Future Aggies

To ensure the council’s continuity, a succession plan has been developed that includes term limits for council leadership. The council’s membership includes individuals and couples who bring a wide breadth of knowledge and interest in the leadership education that takes place outside of the classroom. “This expands opportunities for more former students to participate and give back to the university they hold so dearly,” said Melanie Toler. “It allows for new ideas and questions from different perspectives to be integrated into activities and programs. When couples share a passion for some aspect of Student Affairs, they often commit combined talent, time and treasure, doubling the impact.”

The Tolers will continue to serve as co-chairs until the end of the spring semester 2024 before moving into roles as immediate past chairs. Katy and John ’80 Garcia will serve as co-chairs starting in the 2024 fall semester. The Garcias also will be part of the council’s Executive Committee and will be involved in meetings with Ramirez in preparation for assuming council leadership.

“We believe Texas A&M has the best of everything!” said Melanie Toler. “Because we all love our personal Aggie experience, we want that to continue to be part of the experience of new Aggies. This keeps the Spirit of Aggieland strong.”

If you are interested in serving with the Division of Student Affairs Development Council to help Texas A&M students make the most of their college experience, contact David Wilkinson, assistant vice president for development, at 979-458-1689 or [email protected].