TRA Annual Members Meeting
2026 Meeting Highlights
Texas Senator Mayes Middleton
After opening remarks from Dr. Matt Poling '90, President TRA, Texas Senator Mayes Middleton, District 11 and Senate Committee on Education took the floor.
Senator Middleton served as a House Member from 2019-2022. Now in the Texas Senate, Mayes represents Senate District 11, encompassing portions of Brazoria, Galveston, and Harris Counties. Throughout his time in both the House and Senate, Mayes has consistently ranked among the top most conservative members of the Legislature. Senator Middleton currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Local Government Committee, and as a member on the Senate Committees on Administration, Business & Commerce, Education K-16, Jurisprudence, and State Affairs.
It is Mayes' service on the Education k-16 committee that prompted his invitation to speak at this year's members meeting. He informed members of the charge of the committee which is, "Promoting America & Texas First in Our Schools."
Glenn Hegar '93
Chancellor of the Texas A&M
University System
Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar '93 then took the floor after a short break.
Chancellor Hegar was raised on a farm in the small town of Hockley, just outside Houston. While he ultimately earned his degree in political science at Texas A&M in 1993, he started his college career at a local community college in order to continue helping on the farm. Those early years taught him determination, honesty and integrity, but most importantly, they taught Hegar the value of hard work.
Hegar went on to earn a law degree at St. Mary’s University School of Law, where he met his wife, Dara ’95. He also graduated with a master’s degree in law from the University of Arkansas.
Hegar then spent his career in service to the people of Texas. He served in the Texas Legislature as a state representative and a state senator, and he later became the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, where he developed a reputation for delivering results, prudently managing billions in taxpayer funds and leading with principle.
Known for his hands-on leadership and deep commitment to public service, Hegar is now focused on one primary mission: unlocking the full potential of the A&M System to build the next generation of Texas leaders.
Hegar took a number of question from the TRA members ensuring he is a firm supporter of The Rudder Association and its mission.
Matching Gift, Student Essay and Grant Winners, Michael Beggs ’68 Selfless Service Award and
TRA Officer Presentations
A highlight of TRA's Member's Meeting is presentation of awards. For the past few years, Aggie Students have been given a prompt in order to write an essay with their viewpoint on the matter. The Michael Beggs '68 Selfless Service award was introduced a few years ago as a great way to highlight a specific Student Aggie's gift of service to the community.
This year, TRA leadership decided to give back to student organizations in the form of a grant of $500 to help these groups who embody Aggie Core Values.
Essay Contest:
1st Place $1,000 - Justino Russell
2nd Place $600 - Ushara De Silva
3rd Place $400 - Audrey Delgado
You can read all essays HERE.
Student Organization Grants - $500
MSC Wiley Lecture Series - received by Sophia Cruz
Association for Future Healthcare Leaders - received by Tabitha Ferony, VP of operations
Aggie Nations - received by Harris Duininck- Director
Selfless Service Awards:
Top Winner - $2,000 - Robert Becker
Honorable Mention $500 @ Justino Russell & Jackson Baker
LtGen James W. Bierman Jr., Commandant, Texas A&M
Corps of Cadets
Lieutenant General James W. Bierman Jr. agreed to serve as the 47th Commandant of the Corps of Cadets in February 2025. LtGen Bierman joined Texas A&M University on Aug. 1, upon his retirement from active duty.
Before coming to Texas A&M, LtGen Bierman served as Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations for the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was responsible for the development and execution of service plans and policies related to the operations, structure, deployment and employment of the Marine Corps.
He has 37 years of expertise in operations, problem-solving, recruiting, training and education, strategic communications, resourcing and budget execution. He also has more than 20 total years of command experience, including infantry battalion combat commands in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
He earned his B.A. in History from the Virginia Military Institute and his M.A. in National Security Studies from the College of Naval Warfare. He also is a graduate of The Basic School, Infantry Officer Course, Intelligence Officers Course, Amphibious Warfare School, Command and Staff College, School of Advanced Warfighting and the College of Naval Warfare.
He’s an exemplary combat-proven leader and a decorated Marine Infantry Officer. His commitment to service and leadership aligns perfectly with the mission and Core Values of Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets. Bierman’s selection came after a national search that attracted numerous exceptional candidates.
He took a number of great questions from TRA members and is considered a friend of TRA by board members and executive meeting members alike.