Riley Hix

Texas A&M University, Mays Business School

“I am a motivator. I love energizing people around me to get after it.”

Hometown: Flower Mound, TX

Fun Fact About Yourself: I once competed in and won a contest to build a Rube Goldberg machine that opened an umbrella in over 20 steps.

Undergraduate School and Major: Texas A&M University

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: United States Navy – Civil Engineer Corps 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? I chose Mays Business School because I love to view problem-solving through a variety of lenses. I have built technical knowledge in engineering, but am thrilled for the opportunity to build my business acumen and carry that into my career.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Texas A&M Mays? I am very excited for the Big Event this year. Giving back is a huge part of my life and the appreciation that is felt by those receiving help from the Aggie student body brings an unmatched warmth to my heart.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that Mays was the right graduate program for you? Why? I knew from the first interaction with staff and faculty in the recruiting process that Mays was where I belong. The staff and faculty care about you here, and want to see you succeed in the program.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Deploying to South Korea with the charge of 20 souls in my care was one of the most impactful things I have done in my career. It was such a unique opportunity to lead and interact with people from all walks of life. I learned perspective from both my own troops and the foreign forces we worked alongside.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why? I am leave no-one behind type of person. My favorite part of leadership is helping those who struggle figure out success. If you are on my team, we are getting to the finish line even if I have to help you limp there.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Grit and determination can take you through life’s hardest challenges and I think that this program is no different. I am told by alumni and upper cohorts alike that the rigors of the program are tough, but through teamwork and tenacity success is assured.