Texas A&M University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Texas A&M University has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, administration, military coordination, technology, 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

  • Chief Operating Officer - Lisa Akin
  • TAMU President - William Mobley
  • President - Don Hellriegel
  • President of NABA - Christian Chatman
  • President - Frank Vandiver
  • President, PLU - Sebin Abraham
  • President - Arno Krebs
  • Chief of Staff - Nicole Cavender
  • - Deputy Commandant And Chief Of Staff - Betty Jake
  • Chief Technology Officer, Hitek Ese Llc - Saeed Assadi
  • Lisa Akin - Chief Operating Officer

    Lisa Akin, the Chief Operating Officer at Texas A&M University, directs the administrative infrastructure supporting complex educational delivery. Overseeing internal resource allocation, Akin ensures the alignment of departmental budgets with the broader institutional mission of providing high-quality undergraduate and graduate degrees. This leadership role involves optimizing operational workflows across nursing and agricultural engineering faculties to maintain efficiency. By streamlining cross-functional processes, Lisa Akin directly impacts the university's ability to scale research initiatives and support student success. The Chief Operating Officer manages critical facility logistics and administrative policy implementation, ensuring that the institution remains competitive within the global higher education landscape. Through rigorous oversight of operational expenditures, Akin secures the financial health necessary for long-term academic growth and infrastructure development, ultimately strengthening the university's capacity to serve a diverse, worldwide student population.
    Lisa Akin

    William Mobley - TAMU President

    William Mobley, the TAMU President at Texas A&M University, defines the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Overseeing the expansion of degree programs in veterinary medicine and agricultural sciences, Mobley drives the university's commitment to research excellence and academic rigor. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Regents and external stakeholders to secure funding for major campus initiatives. By championing innovation in biochemistry and biophysics, William Mobley ensures that the university maintains its status as a premier educational institution. The TAMU President manages the executive team, fostering a culture of accountability and progress across all colleges. Through visionary leadership, Mobley shapes the long-term trajectory of the university, ensuring that the institution continues to serve students worldwide while addressing critical global challenges in food science and health, ultimately solidifying the university's position as a leader in higher education.

    Don Hellriegel - President

    Don Hellriegel, the President at Texas A&M University, leads the institutional efforts to enhance academic quality and research impact. Overseeing the development of interdisciplinary programs, Hellriegel ensures that the university remains responsive to the evolving needs of the global workforce. This role involves cultivating partnerships with industry leaders to support student internships and research opportunities in fields like nursing and agricultural engineering. By prioritizing academic excellence, Don Hellriegel directly impacts the university's ability to attract top-tier faculty and students. The President manages the strategic allocation of resources to support the growth of graduate programs, ensuring that the institution remains competitive in the international academic market. Through consistent focus on innovation and student success, Hellriegel drives the university's mission forward, fostering an environment where research and education converge to solve complex problems and improve societal outcomes on a global scale.

    Christian Chatman - President of NABA

    Christian Chatman, the President of NABA at Texas A&M University, directs initiatives focused on professional development and student advocacy. Overseeing the organization's outreach efforts, Chatman ensures that students have access to networking opportunities and career resources that complement their academic studies in fields like food science and engineering. This leadership role involves coordinating with university administration to promote diversity and inclusion across all campus programs. By fostering a supportive community, Christian Chatman directly impacts student retention and professional readiness. The President of NABA manages the strategic planning for student-led events, ensuring that these activities align with the university's broader goals of academic and professional excellence. Through active engagement with the student body and faculty, Chatman drives the growth of the organization, providing a platform for students to excel in their chosen disciplines and prepare for successful careers in a competitive global market.

    Frank Vandiver - President

    Frank Vandiver, the President at Texas A&M University, guides the institution's historical and academic legacy while overseeing modern research advancements. Managing the university's commitment to scholarly inquiry, Vandiver ensures that programs in biochemistry and biophysics receive the support necessary for groundbreaking discoveries. This leadership role involves representing the university in national academic forums and advocating for policies that benefit higher education. By maintaining high standards of academic integrity, Frank Vandiver directly impacts the university's reputation for excellence. The President oversees the strategic direction of the institution, ensuring that all colleges remain focused on the core mission of teaching and research. Through careful stewardship of university resources, Vandiver secures the foundation for future growth, enabling the institution to continue providing world-class education to students across the globe while contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge in various scientific and professional fields.

    Sebin Abraham - President, PLU

    Sebin Abraham, the President, PLU at Texas A&M University, leads specialized initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement and academic support. Overseeing the implementation of targeted programs, Abraham ensures that students in nursing and agricultural sciences receive the guidance necessary to succeed in their studies. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to identify areas for curriculum improvement and student development. By fostering a culture of academic achievement, Sebin Abraham directly impacts the university's ability to produce highly qualified graduates. The President, PLU manages the strategic planning for student services, ensuring that these resources are accessible and effective for a diverse student population. Through proactive leadership and commitment to student success, Abraham drives the growth of these specialized programs, contributing to the overall mission of the university and ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of their respective professional fields.

    Arno Krebs - President

    Arno Krebs, the President at Texas A&M University, oversees the strategic expansion of the university's research capabilities and academic offerings. Managing the integration of new technologies into the classroom, Krebs ensures that students have the tools required for success in modern agricultural and biological engineering. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to align research goals with the university's mission of global service. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, Arno Krebs directly impacts the university's ability to address complex challenges in food science and veterinary medicine. The President manages the university's external relations, building partnerships that enhance the institution's visibility and impact. Through visionary planning and effective resource management, Krebs drives the university's growth, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in higher education and continues to provide exceptional opportunities for students worldwide to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.

    Nicole Cavender - Chief of Staff

    Nicole Cavender, the Chief of Staff at Texas A&M University, coordinates strategic initiatives between executive leadership and academic departments. Managing the flow of information to the president, Cavender facilitates decision-making processes regarding curriculum expansion in biological and agricultural sciences. This role involves synthesizing complex data from various colleges to support institutional policy development. By fostering collaboration among faculty and administrative stakeholders, Nicole Cavender ensures that university-wide goals remain consistent with the core mission of excellence in education. The Chief of Staff oversees high-level projects that impact the university's reputation in veterinary medicine and food science, ensuring that strategic priorities receive necessary resources. Through effective communication and project management, Cavender drives organizational alignment, enabling the institution to navigate the challenges of a global academic environment while maintaining focus on student outcomes and research advancement.

    Betty Jake - - Deputy Commandant And Chief Of Staff

    Betty Jake, the - Deputy Commandant And Chief Of Staff at Texas A&M University, manages the integration of military training programs with academic requirements. Overseeing the daily operations of the corps, Jake ensures that leadership development remains a central component of the student experience. This role involves coordinating with academic departments to balance rigorous coursework in fields like biochemistry and biophysics with specialized training mandates. By maintaining high standards of discipline and operational readiness, Betty Jake directly impacts the development of future leaders within the university community. The - Deputy Commandant And Chief Of Staff facilitates communication between military leadership and the broader university administration, ensuring that institutional policies support the unique needs of the student body. Through strategic planning and resource management, Jake secures the stability of these programs, contributing to the overall prestige and educational impact of the institution on a national scale.

    Saeed Assadi - Chief Technology Officer, Hitek Ese Llc

    Saeed Assadi, the Chief Technology Officer, Hitek Ese Llc at Texas A&M University, architects the digital infrastructure required for advanced research and remote learning. Overseeing the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, Assadi ensures that students and faculty have access to cutting-edge tools for biological and agricultural engineering projects. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data integrity across all university platforms. By modernizing the technological framework, Saeed Assadi directly impacts the efficiency of academic delivery and research output. The Chief Technology Officer, Hitek Ese Llc collaborates with academic leaders to integrate new software into the curriculum, particularly within the nursing and food science departments. Through the deployment of robust network systems, Assadi supports the university's global reach, enabling seamless connectivity for students worldwide and ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of educational technology innovation.

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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 Lisa Akin (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as William Mobley (TAMU President) and Don Hellriegel (President).
    Who is part of Texas A&M University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Texas A&M University includes leaders such as Lisa Akin (Chief Operating Officer), William Mobley (TAMU President), Don Hellriegel (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 Chief Operating Officer, TAMU President, President, President of NABA, President.