Allyson Hayley

Texas A&M University, Mays Business School

“Aspiring global changemaker; a charismatic leader with a curious mind and competitive spirit.”

Hometown: The Woodlands, TX

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a third generation “Aggie” and the 13th member of my extended family to attend Texas A&M.

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Military Academy—West Point; Major: Sociology

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: United States Army, Field Artillery Officer

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of the Mays MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? In my home state of Texas and beyond, the Aggie Network is second-to-none. I knew the larger community at Mays would provide me with significant exposure to corporate leaders across a myriad of industries, while also cultivating a unique learning environment within the smaller MBA cohort. It offered the best opportunity, tailored to my individual success. Additionally, Texas A&M is notably one of the most veteran-friendly campuses across the country. The robust set of resources, services and staff specifically available to my demographic played a critical component in my decision to attend Mays.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Texas A&M Mays? I have always been particularly passionate about volunteer work and I am looking forward to service-oriented opportunities that I can participate in with my classmates. Texas A&M is home to the nation’s largest student-run service project known as The Big Event. It is a day for the entire student body to show appreciation for and give back to the Aggieland community and its residents. The Full-Time MBA Program also partners with Camp LIFE (Leadership, Independence, and Friends through Experiences)—an inclusive camp dedicated to children with disabilities and their families.  As a student, it can be easy to get absorbed in the demands of academic life and career pursuits, so I think it is important to take a step back from time to time and appreciate the opportunities we have and make an impact where we can.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that Mays was the right graduate program for you? Why?  I had more personalized communication with Mays than any other school.  Whether it was in the earliest stages of recruitment, at any point in the application process, or when the time came for a decision, there was never a time where I did not feel like a priority to the admissions staff or program here. Before I had even submitted my finalized application, I had professors, current students and administrators reach out personally to check in, which was invaluable during a stressful stretch of time.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In February 2022, I abruptly deployed to Germany as a member of the U.S. Army’s Immediate Response Force. As the lead logistical coordinator for a first-of-its-kind mission, my team enabled life-sustaining support for hundreds of Ukrainian Soldiers who trained alongside my organization over an eight-month period.  The experience enlightened my own perspective of what it means to sacrifice and serve, specifically during a time of intense conflict.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why? Something that makes me unique is my resilient attitude when facing adversity. Over the past several years, I’ve learned how to respond better to issues outside of my control and how to handle my emotions, which have not always been my strengths. I think I am fit to handle challenges much better now than in my previous academic endeavors, so I hope I can assist my classmates during difficult times that we may encounter together.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Aside from landing my dream career, my MBA experience will be successful if I am able to leave an impact on the program while making lifelong friends. I also look forward to the opportunity to mentor future veteran applicants and “pay it forward” as a tribute to the numerous people who helped me get to where I am today.