Texas A&M University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Texas A&M University has 10 executives leading key functions including administration, operations, information technology, engineering, and academic leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and global research, Texas A&M University advances knowledge through diverse degree programs in nursing, engineering, and veterinary medicine while fostering innovation across international student communities.

Leadership Roles at Texas A&M University

  • Engineering Honors Committee Executive & Chief Operating Officer - Raaghav Bageshwar
  • Class President - Brendan Daugherty
  • President - Cynthia Wolf
  • President, Technology Management Society - Anusha Batikeri
  • President - William (Bill) Merrell
  • President - Don Hellriegel
  • President - Rachel Heins
  • Chief of Staff - Nicole Cavender
  • Interim Chief Information Officer & Vice President, Information Technology - Michael Leary
  • Department Aerospace Engineering Chief of Staff - Lance Isenhour
  • Raaghav Bageshwar - Engineering Honors Committee Executive & Chief Operating Officer

    Raaghav Bageshwar, the Engineering Honors Committee Executive & Chief Operating Officer at Texas A&M University, oversees the operational framework of the engineering honors program. Bageshwar manages resource allocation and curriculum development to maintain high academic standards for engineering students. As the Chief Operating Officer, Bageshwar optimizes internal processes to support the university's research goals in biological and agricultural engineering. Raaghav Bageshwar coordinates with faculty to ensure that honors students receive specialized training and mentorship. This leadership role involves scaling academic programs to meet the evolving demands of the global technology sector. By streamlining administrative procedures, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of the engineering department. Bageshwar also fosters partnerships with industry leaders to provide students with practical experience. Through strategic planning and execution, Bageshwar ensures that the engineering honors program remains a cornerstone of the university's commitment to technical excellence and innovation.

    Brendan Daugherty - Class President

    Brendan Daugherty, the Class President at Texas A&M University, represents the student body and advocates for initiatives that enhance the campus experience. Daugherty organizes student-led programs and fosters community engagement across various academic disciplines. As the Class President, Daugherty serves as a liaison between students and the university administration, ensuring that student concerns reach the appropriate leadership channels. Brendan Daugherty drives efforts to improve student life and promote inclusivity within the university community. This role involves coordinating events that celebrate the university's traditions and academic achievements. By facilitating open dialogue, the Class President helps shape policies that impact the daily lives of students. Daugherty also collaborates with other student leaders to address challenges related to campus resources and student services. Through active leadership and advocacy, Daugherty strengthens the connection between the student body and the institution, ensuring that the university remains a vibrant and supportive environment for all learners.

    Cynthia Wolf - President

    Cynthia Wolf, the President at Texas A&M University, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Wolf oversees the university's expansion into new research areas, including food science and nursing, to maintain a competitive edge in higher education. As the President, Wolf manages relationships with stakeholders, donors, and government entities to secure funding for critical infrastructure projects. Cynthia Wolf drives the university's commitment to global outreach, ensuring that students worldwide benefit from the institution's academic programs. This leadership role involves setting long-term goals that align with the university's core values of excellence and service. By fostering a culture of innovation, the President encourages faculty and students to pursue groundbreaking research. Wolf also monitors the financial health of the university to ensure sustainable growth. Through decisive leadership, Wolf guides the institution toward continued success, solidifying its position as a leader in global education and research.

    Anusha Batikeri - President, Technology Management Society

    Anusha Batikeri, the President, Technology Management Society at Texas A&M University, leads the organization in bridging the gap between technical education and management practices. Batikeri coordinates workshops and networking events that prepare students for leadership roles in the technology sector. As the President, Technology Management Society, Batikeri oversees the society's strategic partnerships with industry professionals to provide students with real-world insights. Anusha Batikeri drives the development of programs that focus on project management, innovation, and technical strategy. This role involves managing the society's budget and membership growth to ensure long-term viability. By facilitating collaboration between students and industry experts, the President enhances the professional development of the society's members. Batikeri also promotes the integration of management principles into engineering curricula. Through dedicated leadership, Batikeri ensures that the society remains a vital resource for students seeking to excel in the intersection of technology and business management.

    William (Bill) Merrell - President

    William (Bill) Merrell, the President at Texas A&M University, focuses on the expansion of the university's maritime and coastal research initiatives. Merrell directs the development of specialized academic programs that address environmental challenges and resource management. As the President, Merrell oversees the integration of research findings into the university's broader educational framework. William (Bill) Merrell drives collaboration with international research institutions to enhance the university's global impact. This leadership role involves managing large-scale projects that require coordination across multiple departments and external partners. By prioritizing research that addresses critical societal needs, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in scientific discovery. Merrell also manages the university's outreach efforts to ensure that research benefits local and global communities. Through strategic oversight, Merrell maintains the institution's commitment to academic rigor and practical application, ensuring that the university continues to produce graduates capable of solving complex global problems.

    Don Hellriegel - President

    Don Hellriegel, the President at Texas A&M University, leads the institution's efforts in business education and organizational management. Hellriegel directs the development of curricula that emphasize leadership, strategy, and operational efficiency. As the President, Hellriegel oversees the implementation of academic policies that support the university's mission of producing highly skilled graduates. Don Hellriegel drives initiatives that strengthen the university's ties with the business community, providing students with valuable internship and career opportunities. This leadership role involves managing faculty recruitment and development to ensure the highest quality of instruction. By promoting research in management science, the President contributes to the university's reputation for academic excellence. Hellriegel also oversees the university's strategic planning processes to ensure alignment with long-term institutional goals. Through focused leadership, Hellriegel ensures that the university remains a premier destination for students seeking to develop the skills necessary for success in the modern business landscape.

    Rachel Heins - President

    Rachel Heins, the President at Texas A&M University, oversees the university's initiatives in student health and wellness. Heins directs the development of programs that support the physical and mental well-being of the student body. As the President, Heins manages the coordination of health services across campus to ensure that students have access to high-quality care. Rachel Heins drives the implementation of wellness policies that promote a healthy campus environment. This leadership role involves collaborating with medical professionals and academic departments to integrate wellness into the student experience. By prioritizing student health, the President contributes to the overall success and retention of the student population. Heins also oversees the university's outreach efforts to educate the community on health-related issues. Through strategic oversight, Heins ensures that the university remains a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally, reflecting the institution's commitment to the holistic development of every individual.

    Nicole Cavender - Chief of Staff

    Nicole Cavender, the Chief of Staff at Texas A&M University, directs administrative workflows and coordinates strategic initiatives across the institution. Cavender manages high-level communications between the executive office and various academic departments to ensure operational efficiency. By aligning internal resources with the broader mission of the university, the Chief of Staff facilitates seamless collaboration among faculty and administrative leadership. Nicole Cavender monitors institutional performance metrics to support long-term growth and academic success. This role involves synthesizing complex data into actionable insights for the university leadership team. Through rigorous oversight of organizational processes, Cavender maintains the integrity of administrative functions. The Chief of Staff also implements policies that enhance the overall student experience, ensuring that the university remains a premier destination for higher education. Cavender drives excellence in every administrative endeavor, securing the operational foundation necessary for academic advancement.

    Michael Leary - Interim Chief Information Officer & Vice President, Information Technology

    Michael Leary, the Interim Chief Information Officer & Vice President, Information Technology at Texas A&M University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the entire campus ecosystem. Leary manages cybersecurity protocols, network reliability, and data management systems essential for academic research and administrative operations. As the Vice President, Information Technology, Leary drives the adoption of advanced computing solutions to facilitate learning in fields like biochemistry and biophysics. Michael Leary oversees the integration of new software platforms that improve student access to digital resources. This role requires constant collaboration with other C-suite leaders to align technology investments with the university's strategic objectives. By modernizing the IT landscape, Leary ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of educational technology. The Interim Chief Information Officer also monitors system performance to prevent disruptions in critical research activities. Leary secures the digital future of the university through proactive infrastructure management and innovative technical leadership.

    Lance Isenhour - Department Aerospace Engineering Chief of Staff

    Lance Isenhour, the Department Aerospace Engineering Chief of Staff at Texas A&M University, manages the daily operations and administrative functions of the aerospace engineering department. Isenhour coordinates faculty research projects and ensures that departmental resources support the university's broader engineering goals. By overseeing budget planning and personnel management, the Chief of Staff maintains the operational stability of the department. Lance Isenhour facilitates communication between the department and the university administration to ensure alignment with institutional priorities. This role involves managing complex logistics for laboratory facilities and academic programs. Isenhour drives efficiency in departmental workflows, allowing faculty to focus on groundbreaking research in aerospace technology. Through meticulous oversight, the Chief of Staff supports the development of advanced curricula that prepare students for careers in the global aerospace industry. Isenhour ensures that the department operates at peak performance, contributing significantly to the university's reputation for engineering excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Texas A&M University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Texas A&M University?
    Texas A&M University is led by Raaghav Bageshwar (Engineering Honors Committee Executive & Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Brendan Daugherty (Class President) and Cynthia Wolf (President).
    Who is part of Texas A&M University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Texas A&M University includes leaders such as Raaghav Bageshwar (Engineering Honors Committee Executive & Chief Operating Officer), Brendan Daugherty (Class President), Cynthia Wolf (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Texas A&M University have?
    Texas A&M University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Texas A&M University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Texas A&M University includes roles such as Engineering Honors Committee Executive & Chief Operating Officer, Class President, President, President, Technology Management Society, President.