From Classroom to Boardroom: East Texas A&M Links Students with Top Executives
East Texas A&M is connecting students with industry leaders through the Executive in Residence Program.
East Texas A&M University hosted its second Executive in Residence event on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at its Dallas location. Thirteen accomplished executives from across the business, healthcare, technology and education sectors attended the event for an evening of professional networking and mentorship.
The Executive in Residence Program, conceived by Chief Academic Officer Sri Beldona, gives students the opportunity to learn directly from experienced leaders who share real-world insights into their professions. Through one-on-one conversations, small-group discussions and career-focused sessions, students gain valuable exposure to leadership practices, professional communication and the realities of their chosen industries.
“The Executive in Residence program was born out of a simple idea — that students learn best when they can connect theory to real-world practice,” Beldona said. “Hearing directly from executives who make critical decisions every day gives our students insight that can't be found in textbooks.”
The October session included several accomplished executives:
- Mano Mahadeva, healthcare executive, founder of Mahadeva Group and ETAMU alumnus
- Daniel Christian, senior vice president of marketing for Tradesman
- Craig Fisher, founder of TalentNet Media
- Simone Meskelis, senior vice president of sales and customer experience at HOYA Vision Care North America
- Jesse Mendez, certified performance and executive coach
- Amelia Mayeaux, leader of implementation services for Zelis Healthcare's price optimization division
- Rachael Bourque, senior vice president of Corporate Learning Solutions for Kaplan
- Kuntal Pandya-McElroy, senior vice president of digital learning technology products at Bank of America
- Sukumar Muthya, chief data officer at Earthlink
- Aruna Chandrasekharan, leader in digital modernization and enterprise transformation
- Ruth Villalonga, founder and CEO of Villa Communications
- Sean Dineen, chief human resources officer and group vice president for HOYA Vision Care North America
- Sunil Hiranniah, global vice president of sales for Audit Portfolio Solutions at Thomson Reuters.
During the event, executives gathered in a spacious shared classroom, seated far enough apart to allow for easy conversation. Beldona then ushered a group of mostly business students into the classroom, where they were allowed to roam freely and speak with whomever they wished for as long as desired. Conversations varied among the groups, ranging from how to start a business to what employers look for on resumes to what kind of social media presence is expected of business leaders.
Located in the heart of Dallas, East Texas A&M-Dallas connects students to the region's thriving professional community, offering programs designed to blend academic learning with applied experience.
All East Texas A&M students, no matter their major or primary location of classes, are welcome to attend the next Executive in Residence. Stay tuned for updates on the Community Calendar.
“This mentorship program builds confidence,” Beldona said. “It broadens perspective and helps students envision the careers they want to pursue. This initiative is transforming the classroom into a launchpad for leadership.”
For more information regarding the Executive in Residence Program and other events at the Dallas location, please contact Dr. Sri Beldona or Executive Director for Industry Partnerships Laura Isbell.