About Us

Office of Philanthropy and Engagement

The Office of Philanthropy and Engagement at East Texas A&M University connects alumni, donors and friends to support the university's mission of transforming lives. The office leads fundraising efforts, donor stewardship, and alumni engagement to enhance student opportunities and campus initiatives. Through giving programs and community partnerships, the office helps expand opportunities and enrich the educational experience at East Texas A&M.

Make a Difference

East Texas A&M By the numbers

5,042
Alumni Association Members

/

559
Endowment

/

873
Donor-funded Scholarships are Awarded Annually

/

2,493
Average Amount Awarded

/

6,756
Number of Gifts Annually

Foundation Board

  • Jessica Yowell
    Chief of Staff and Operations FP&A, Southwest Airlines
    Class of 2003 and 2008
  • Tatiana Chamorro-Rivers
    Chief Marketing Officer, Shaken Beverage Company
    Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founding Partner, Toucan Cocktails
    Class of 2016 and 2020
  • Scott Ward
    CFO, Fix & Feed and Retail Trade
  • Tiffany Miller
    Attorney, Law/Legal Services, The Law Offices of David E Rohlf
    Class of 1998
  • Jandy Thompson
    Owner and Founder, McLaren-Hill, Inc
    Class of 1997
  • Jamee Jolly
    President and CEO, The Real Estate Council
    Class of 1997
  • Jim Chester
    Attorney/Business and Technology Lawyer, Klemchuk PLLC
    Class of 1994
  • Cathy Janke
    Senior Vice President, Fifth Third Bank
    Class of 1993
  • Joseph Showell
    Executive Director of Student Services, Birdville ISD
    Class of 1992
  • Bruce Trego
    Retired President, L3 Harris
    Class of 1990
  • Brian Weast
    CEO, The Weast Group
    Class of 1989
  • Michael Smith
    Partner, Scheef & Stone, LLP
    Class of 1986
  • Scott Stahl
    Retired Vice President, Northeast Texas Data Corp
    Class of 1984
  • Timothy Meads
    Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
    Class 1982
  • Mary Hendrix
    Retired Vice President, East Texas A&M University
    Class of 1981, 1983 and 2005
  • Scott Wheeler
    Retired EVP and CFO, Daseke, Inc.
    Class of 1980
  • Debra Nelson
    Retired Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Frisco ISD
    Class of 1978, 1980 and 1983
  • Steve Ragland
    Retired Vice President, Oncor
    Class of 1977
  • Nancy Craig
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Real Estate, Hunt Properties Incorporated
    Class of 1977
  • Kathy Thrailkill
    Team Leader, Prestonwood Pregnancy Center
    Class of 1977
  • Bradley Beers
    Lawyer and Owner, Beers Law Firm
    Class of 1976
  • Zenetta Drew
    Executive Director, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation
    Class of 1974
  • Preston McAfee
    Retired President, Rogers O’Brien Construction Company
    Class of 1974 and 1977
  • Nelson Robinson
    Agency Owner, Allstate
    Class of 1973, 1974 and 1979
  • Will Cureton
    Partner and Co-Founder, CLB Partners, Real Estate and Rental & Leasing
    Class of 1973
  • Janis Stroope
    Retired Educator, Hunt County Head Start; Owner, Ralph Stroope Apiary
    Class of 1973 and 1980
  • Earl Bourland
    Farming and Owner, Mitchell & Bourland, Inc.
    Class of 1973
  • Mary Spencer
    President and Founder, The Spencer Company.
    Class of 1972

We are Here to Help!

Our professional staff oversee major giving, planned giving, annual giving, operations, alumni relations and engagement. They look forward to helping you find the best way to support the Lion family. Please reach out to us today!

Alum Amy Bassham Executive Assistant to the Vice President
Brenda Cowen Administrative Associate V
Devin Girod Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement
Alum Kim Jefferies Coordinator of Gift Processing
Tre Johnson Assistant Athletic Director for Development
Laura Kramer-Lucas Senior Director of Annual Giving and Special Programs
Alum Jim Lewis Senior Advancement Officer
Alum Amanda Lowe Director of Alumni Engagement
Alum Gina Lowe Associate Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement
Alum Shannon Pruden Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
Andrea Ryant Director of Philanthropy Operations
Alum Joi Saville Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement
Alum Trey Wheeler Associate Director of Philanthropy
divisional organizational chart

Contact Us

  • P.O. Box 3425
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3425

Frequently Asked Questions

May I choose where my donation goes?

Yes, absolutely! Your decision to give to East Texas A&M is voluntary and we want to ensure that your donor experience is the best it can be. Contact [email protected] for further information on how to become a donor.

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My gift of $10, $50 or $100 would be a drop in the bucket. Will it really make a difference?

Every gift makes a difference, and your gift can accomplish much more than you think. East Texas A&M has over 90,000 living alumni. If every alumnus gave $50 per year, the resulting $4.5 million would create life-changing opportunities for students! High participation rates in alumni giving inspire others to give and also positively impact national college rankings. Your gift, no matter the size, is helping to increase the value of your degree and the success of future graduates.

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Don’t you receive funding from The Texas A&M University System? Can’t they help out more?

East Texas A&M does not receive funding from The Texas A&M University System. As a state institution, our funds are sourced from students, the Texas Legislature and philanthropy.

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May I pay my donation out over time?

We offer a variety of options to make giving convenient for you and consistent with your philanthropic goals. Gifts may be made monthly, annually or over a designated time period. Make a pledge online.

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I don't want anybody to know that I have made a contribution. Is it possible to remain anonymous?

Yes, we work hard to respect our donors’ wishes and ensure a positive and gratifying giving experience. All you need to do is notify us of your request to remain anonymous when you make a donation. We will not make your contribution public.

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My gift may encourage others to give. What kind of donor recognition is available?

We show appreciation to our donors in a myriad of ways, but most importantly, in the way that best represents you as the donor and the impact on the lives you are changing. Stewarding you and your gift and communicating the impact of your support is a priority at East Texas A&M. Each gift and each donor’s story is unique. We will provide you with a distinct donor experience that reflects the intent of your generosity. To further discuss recognition options, please contact us at 903.468.8187 or [email protected].

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I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about East Texas A&M University. Is this a legitimate project or is it a scam?

It’s legit! We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for East Texas A&M University. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for almost 100 years. This project allows East Texas A&M University to hear about your personal experiences and explain how East Texas A&M University has helped shape your lives.

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How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (Personal Identifiable information) from any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Project.

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Who should I call if I have more questions?

If you would like to speak with someone regarding a donation to a specific college, endowment, fund or program, or if you would like to make a donation over the phone, please contact Kim Jefferies in Philanthropy Operations at [email protected] or 903.886.5712. 
If you would like to speak with someone regarding Bridge Builders or Annual Giving, please contact Laura Lucas at 903.468.8181.

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What is the relationship between the university and the East Texas A&M Foundation?

The Foundation has a separate board of directors who work in partnership with East Texas A&M to meet strategic goals and serve the university’s mission by raising private funds. Learn more about the Foundation Board.

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Who invests my endowed funds?

All endowed funds are deposited through their related 501(c)(3) (the East Texas A&M University Foundation or the Texas A&M University Alumni Association). All funds are managed by The Texas A&M University System. The Foundation and Alumni Association have a shared services affiliation with the university; therefore, they have no employees, equipment or space of their own. University employees provide the necessary services and resources for the operation of the Foundation and Alumni Association.

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How much does it cost to attend East Texas A&M University?

East Texas A&M prides itself on offering an accessible, affordable and quality education. Find out more about costs of attendance.

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