Sam Houston State University Executive and Leadership Team

Emmy Erisa, the Chief Executive Officer at Sam Houston State University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional advancement. Overseeing all university operations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the mission of providing a welcoming learning environment and practical career-focused education. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in academic programs and enhancing student support services. By driving institutional growth and development, Emmy Erisa directly impacts the university's market position and long-term viability. Ultimately, Erisa secures the university's commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Amanda Withers, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Operations at Sam Houston State University, manages all financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal management. Overseeing the university's financial health, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Operations ensures resource allocation supports academic programs and operational needs. This leadership role involves optimizing financial performance and maintaining fiscal responsibility across all departments. By directing operational efficiencies and strategic financial investments, Amanda Withers directly impacts the university's ability to expand its modern facilities and support engaging campus life. Ultimately, Withers safeguards the institution's financial stability and growth.

Hernandez Carlos, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Operations at Sam Houston State University, spearheads financial strategy and operational execution. Directing fiscal operations and resource management, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Operations guarantees that financial frameworks support the university's diverse academic programs and infrastructure development. This critical role involves overseeing budget adherence, investment strategies, and the optimization of operational workflows to enhance efficiency. By driving financial discipline and operational excellence, Hernandez Carlos directly contributes to the university's capacity for personal growth opportunities and community involvement initiatives. Ultimately, Carlos ensures robust financial stewardship and operational readiness for future endeavors.

Bernard Johnson, the President at Sam Houston State University, leads the institution's strategic direction and academic mission. Guiding the university's growth and development, the President ensures a supportive learning environment and practical career-focused education are central to all initiatives. This leadership position involves fostering faculty excellence, enhancing research opportunities, and promoting community engagement. By championing innovation and student success, Bernard Johnson directly impacts the university's reputation and its ability to prepare students for meaningful connections and future careers. Ultimately, Johnson upholds the university's commitment to academic rigor and holistic student development.

Alisa White, the President at Sam Houston State University, drives the institution's vision for academic excellence and student success. Overseeing strategic planning and institutional advancement, the President ensures the university provides a welcoming learning environment with diverse academic programs. This leadership role involves fostering faculty development, expanding research opportunities, and strengthening community partnerships. By championing student growth and practical career-focused education, Alisa White directly impacts the university's ability to equip graduates with essential skills and confidence. Ultimately, White guides the university in building meaningful connections and preparing students for impactful careers.

Dana Gibson, the President at Sam Houston State University, directs the strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience and academic offerings. Leading the university's commitment to practical career-focused education, the President ensures modern facilities and engaging campus life are prioritized. This executive role involves fostering a culture of innovation and supporting faculty in delivering high-quality instruction and research opportunities. By championing personal growth and community involvement, Dana Gibson directly impacts the university's mission to prepare students for future careers and meaningful connections. Ultimately, Gibson advances the institution's standing as a premier learning environment.

Elliott Bowers, the President at Sam Houston State University, leads the institution's strategic vision and operational framework. Guiding the university's commitment to supportive faculty and diverse academic programs, the President ensures a dynamic learning environment is maintained. This leadership position involves overseeing institutional development, enhancing research capabilities, and promoting student success initiatives. By driving forward the university's mission of practical career-focused education, Elliott Bowers directly impacts the preparation of students for future careers and personal growth. Ultimately, Bowers strengthens the university's capacity to foster confidence and build meaningful connections within the academic community.

McCartney Johnson, the Deputy To the President at Sam Houston State University, provides critical support and executes key initiatives on behalf of the President. Managing complex projects and ensuring operational continuity, the Deputy To the President facilitates the seamless implementation of university strategies. This role involves coordinating efforts across various departments to enhance the learning environment and support faculty endeavors. By driving efficiency and strategic alignment, McCartney Johnson directly contributes to the university's ability to offer practical career-focused education and foster student confidence. Ultimately, Johnson ensures the President's vision is effectively translated into tangible outcomes for the university community.

DALLAS-James Bexley, the President's Executive Leadership Council at Sam Houston State University, contributes to high-level strategic decision-making and institutional governance. Participating in critical discussions and policy development, the President's Executive Leadership Council ensures alignment with the university's mission of providing a welcoming and career-focused education. This collaborative role involves advising on academic programs, campus life enhancements, and opportunities for personal growth. By offering strategic insights and fostering collaborative leadership, DALLAS-James Bexley directly impacts the university's ability to build skills and confidence in its students. Ultimately, Bexley supports the President in advancing the institution's educational objectives and market relevance.

Michael Reed, the Chief of Staff - Football at Sam Houston State University, provides strategic support and operational oversight for the football program. Managing key initiatives and administrative functions, the Chief of Staff - Football ensures seamless execution of team operations and alignment with university athletic goals. This leadership role involves coordinating with coaching staff, athletic directors, and university administration to enhance program performance and student-athlete development. By driving efficiency and strategic planning within the football department, Michael Reed directly impacts the team's competitive success and the overall student-athlete experience. Ultimately, Reed contributes to the program's reputation and its integration with the university's broader mission.