Innovation + Collaboration = Transformation
– Dr. Richard M. RhodesMeet Dr. Richard M. Rhodes!
Dr. Richard M. Rhodes, an educator and leader with more than three decades in higher education, serves as President of Texas A&M University – Central Texas.
Prior to joining TAMUCT, Dr. Rhodes retired from Austin Community College District where he served as Chancellor for 12 years working to improve pathways into higher education, strengthen the awareness of the community college mission, and give students the tools to accomplish their educational, professional, and personal goals. That mission continues as he leads A&M-Central Texas.
Before joining ACC, he served as President of El Paso Community College for 10 years and Vice President for Business Services at Salt Lake Community College for seven years.
President’s Report – Spring 2026
This year’s report reflects a simple but powerful truth: extraordinary impact doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because of people—faculty and staff who teach, mentor, advise, build, fix, lead, and persist every day in service of our students and one another. Throughout these pages, we highlight the individuals whose dedication sustains access, opportunity, affordability, and academic excellence—and whose work brings our university’s Bold Purpose to life. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who shared their time and stories to help tell this collective narrative.
President’s Report – Spring 2025
It wasn’t really all that long ago when the Central Texas community had no access to public undergraduate and graduate degrees. We were fortunate to have community colleges close by, but those who wanted to complete their undergraduate or graduate degree at a public university were at the mercy of the mileage it would take them to drive to Stephenville or Austin….
Momentum Magazine – Fall 2025
This fall, A&M–Central Texas proudly shares the inaugural edition of Momentum, our university magazine. Created to reflect who we are, what we do, and what matters most to us, Momentum is a celebration of the purpose that drives our university forward. As you’ll read in the Editor’s Note, Momentum reminds us that purpose makes all things possible. At A&M–Central Texas, it’s reflected in the work we do, the students our faculty and staff know by name, the appreciation we show for one another, and the victories—both big and small—that we celebrate every day.
Strategic Plan
Under Dr. Rhodes leadership, A&M–Central Texas developed a strategic plan built on the core values of integrity, innovation, creativity, excellence, caring support, and community connection.
These strategies will fuel the university’s mission as it continues to provide education and training to the people of Central Texas and beyond.
Meet The First Lady Kate Rhodes
First Lady Kate Rhodes is a retired educator at both the elementary and college levels. With degrees in journalism and curriculum and instruction, Kate taught elementary school for a number of years in New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. Then, she began teaching at the college level in pre-teaching program for Dona Ana Community College, a branch of New Mexico State University. She rose through the ranks of promotion and tenure and became a full professor as well as the Director of the Teacher Education program. While in that position, she continued her education obtaining a graduate certificate of online teaching and learning from New Mexico State University.
Presidential Awards
Warrior Leadership Awards
The Warrior Leadership Award is a presidential recognition awarded to university commencement speakers and to community and regional leaders whose support for the university is exceptional.
Presidential Art Awards
The Texas A&M University-Central Texas Student Art Exhibit showcases works by students, selecting a first, second, and third place recognitions. This Student Art Exhibition is held annually during Warrior Week.
Presidential Challenge Coin
Presented to Warrior Graduates
Beginning in 2024, A&M-Central Texas graduates participating in the university’s official commencement ceremonies receive a presidential challenge coin after they cross the stage and receive their degree. The coin is a token of achievement for graduates.
The President’s Executive Staff
Clifton T. Jones
Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 254.519.5447
Office: FH-429D
Todd Lutz
Finance and Administration
VP for Finance & Administration/CFO
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 254.519.5498
Office: WH-425
Clifton W. Jones
Associate Vice President
Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 254.519.5424
Office: FH-429H
Vicky Ferguson
Chief of Staff
Office of the President
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 254.519.5720
Office: FH-421F
The President’s Staff
Lisa Padleski
Executive Assistant to the President
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 254.501-5939
Office: FH-421E
Tetyana Quiles
Manager of Event Services and Events Management
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 254.519.5447
Office: FH-421D
Dr. Karen Clos
Director of Communications & Media Relations
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 254.519.5744
Office: FH-426
Invite the President to Your Event
President Richard M. Rhodes, Ph.D.
Step 1: Submit a Request
Complete the online invitation form 15 days prior to the event, note: incomplete requests may cause a delay.
Step 2: Receive Confirmation
Confirmation email will be sent within 3-5 business days. Dr. Rhodes accepts the majority of invitations requested, but his existing calendar of obligations may lead to him declining some requests. The President’s Office works to accommodate requests supporting the mission of the university, and your advance notice and patience are appreciated.
Contact the President’s Office
For questions regarding your request or event updates, please contact the Office of the President.
- Email: [email protected]
- Founders Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 421
- Phone: 254.519.5765
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM