Meet The Texas A&M Mays MBA Class Of 2025

At Texas A&M, the MBA experience is rooted in leadership, loyalty, and the spirit of Aggieland. From the first day in College Station, students are welcomed into a community that values both tradition and innovation.

Mays Business School balances those elements in its MBA program. For the Class of 2025, 701 applicants competed for 192 seats, an acceptance rate of 53%. Students arrived with an average of 10.6 years of work experience across consulting (20%), energy (11%), technology (10%), healthcare (9%), and government (8%), among other industries.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU THINK TEXAS A&M?

When asked what word comes to mind when they think of Texas A&M, John Howard of Victoria, Texas, chooses tradition.

“Texas A&M is built on a foundation of values and customs passed down for generations,” Howard says.

Fellow student Brittiani Martinez, from Hearne, picks community. An introvert, she says she found belonging from the start.

“From day one, I’ve felt supported by professors and classmates. I’m proud to be part of the Aggie family.”

WHY AN MBA FROM TEXAS A&M?

A working mother, Martinez says that flexibility in an MBA program was key.

“I need a program that adapts to my busy life without compromising quality,” she says.

Brandon Harris of The Woodlands chooses Mays for its focus on leadership and real-world application.

“I want a program that challenges me and gives me tools I can use immediately in my career,” he says.

FAVORITE COURSES, CLUBS & EXPERIENCES

For Harris, courses in Negotiation and Project Management stand out, reinforcing his interest in leading cross-functional teams.

Kenneth Oguejiofor of Sugar Land, Texas, he looks forward most to earning his Aggie Ring. “It’s a symbol of perseverance, leadership, and lifelong connection to the Aggie Network,” he says.

Project Manager Randy Marek of Geronimo points to Data Analytics as transformative: “It teaches me how to extract insights using SQL and Python. I now use data to guide decisions instead of just instinct.”

MOMENTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

Marek credits military service and fatherhood with shaping his discipline and leadership.

Patricia Stewart-Flaherty, originally from Wilmington, Delaware, points to her career bringing lifesaving medicine to patients and building drug facilities worldwide. “Becoming an Aggie is a dream since high school,” she says.

Jenna Johnson of Caldwell, Texas, starts as a part-time business coordinator at Mays before rising to Business Administrator. “The accelerated growth is incredibly rewarding,” she says.

PODCASTS & BOOKS THAT THEY’VE LOVED

Johnson finds balance in Whoa That’s Good by Sadie Robertson Huff.

Luis Balderas of Houston recommends McKinsey’s Embracing the Obligation to Dissent, which reframes leadership as creating space for respectful disagreement.

Rita Fennelly-Atkinson of Eagle Pass, who read 100 books last year alone, highlights Simon Sinek’s Start With Why. “It’s a reminder to stay anchored in purpose,” she says.

LIFE & CLASSROOM LESSONS

Not all lessons in an MBA program come from lectures or textbooks. Some are more personal, and sometimes unsuspecting.

On the academic front, Fennelly-Atkinson says she was quite surprised by how much she enjoyed her Data Anyltics class. “I expected it to be technical and dry,” she admits, “but instead found it empowering, engaging, and fun.”

Outside of the classroom, she finds new perspectives and inspiration in fiction books. As a dedicated reader, she’s discovered that stories from diverse cultures and regions often help her navigate real-world challenges.

“As an avid reader, I’m often amazed by how fiction, especially from diverse perspectives and regions around the world, can unlock fresh insights and help me navigate challenges in my work. Inspiration shows up in unexpected places, and I always encourage others to explore all kinds of media because you never know what might spark a new idea.”

DISCOVERING CONFIDENCE THROUGH COLLABORATION

Anthony Baerga, from San Antonio, Texas, was surprised by the collaborative nature of learning.

“Even though many of us are here for similar reasons… we all show up with different strengths,” he observes. That realization, he says, shifted his mindset. In areas where he felt unsure, classmates brought clarity, and where he felt strong, he could support others.

On a personal level, Baerga says he discovered a quiet confidence he hadn’t expected. Long identifying as introverted, he found that the MBA environment revealed a presence and composure that allowed him to step into more rooms with ease.

“When I lean into the strengths I do have and own the ones I don’t, it puts others at ease,” he says. That self-awareness has helped him build trust and be more present in both academic and professional spaces.

From Andrews, Texas, Corey Emsoff was struck by the power of predictive analytics. “It can uncover opportunities that intuition alone might miss,” he shares. Data-driven thinking has really expanded his strategic lens. Beyond the classroom, Emsoff was moved by how quickly classmates became trusted allies. In both business and life, he found a network of support that exceeded his expectations.

WORDS OF WISDOM FOR FUTURE MBAS

For those wishing to join the program, these students have paved the way and they have a few words of wisdom to offer.

Emsoff believes the most compelling applications come from those who know themselves – and aren’t afraid to show it. “Be authentic about your story, your ‘why,’ and how you’ll contribute to the Aggie network,” he advises.

Instead of trying to fit a mold, Emsoff encourages applicants to highlight the experiences that shaped them, like moments of leadership, times they solved tough problems, and the relationships they’ve built along the way. He also stresses the importance of connecting with current students and alumni before applying. “their insight can help you understand if the program is the right fit for you and will strengthen your application with genuine, informed enthusiasm,” he adds.

Tammy Cooper, from Amarillo, Texas, offers some advice that’s both practical and powerful. “Be prepared, show up, and participate,” she offers. Cooper views the MBA journey as a team effort from day one. She adds that applicants should lean into the resources available, from faculty and staff to fellow students, because as it just so happens, “they all care.”

See the next pages for more on the Texas A&M MBA Class of 2025 and interviews with the leadership team at the B-school.

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