73rd Focus Group Leaders
During the conference, student delegates are assigned to a “focus group.” Essentially, this is a cohort of other student delegates led by current Texas A&M Faculty and Staff. In these cohorts, you will discuss, team-build, and build long-lasting bonds and relationships as you head into the Fall Semester.
Please read all about our esteemed Focus Group Leaders listed below.
Dr. Elizabeth Robinson ’95
Dr. Robinson is an Instructional Professor, has been on faculty since 1995, and has served the interests of faculty since 2004, when she was one of the faculty members who reactivated the University Committee for the Status of Academic Professional Track Faculty. She was on the committee until 2024, serving as Secretary from 2004-2014. As a member of this committee, she was involved in drafting the university policy that created the second APT track (Instructional/Clinical/Research Professor) that is now in use at TAMU. She served on ad hoc committees at both the department and college levels that revised department and college bylaws after the formation of the second APT faculty track. She has also served on the Center for Teaching Excellence Faculty Student Advisory Board, on the Review Panel for the Faculty Fellow for Innovation in High-Impact Learning, on the Dean of Faculty’s Fair and Transparent Career Progression for Academic Professional Track (APT) Task Force, and as a University Level Reader for APT Promotions. In addition to regularly serving on most departmental standing committees, she consistently serves on promotion committees for APT faculty. She served on the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Advisory Committee for the Promotion of APT Faculty (DAC-APT), having served on the same committee in the College of Liberal Arts. She also served on the AFS Distinguished Achievement Award for Individual Student Engagement Selection Committee and served as a College of Arts and Sciences representative on the Faculty Senate. Most importantly, she is a dedicated instructor, having designed multiple English courses, advised dozens of Undergraduate Thesis projects and honors contracts, and served on MA committees. She has mentored Graduate Assistant Teachers and has served as a Presenter at the Humanities Texas Summer Teaching Institute, in which she worked with Jr. High and High School English Teachers. She is the founding advisor of a student group, the Aggie Kolbitar Society, and has served as a Focus Group Leader for the MSC Fall Leadership Conference. She has won several teaching awards, including two Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Awards, and has been honored as both a Fish Camp and T-Camp namesake. She is passionate about teaching Aggies and about serving Texas A&M faculty.
Dr. Timothy Powers ’01
Dr. Timothy Powers serves as Assistant Vice President & Chief of Staff to the Provost where he is primarily responsible for providing oversight of university priorities assigned to the Office of the Provost, coordinating and executing division initiatives, and supporting the Provost in the day-to-day functions of the office
Dr. Powers previously served as Director of the Aggie Honor System Office at Texas A&M University from 2011 until 2022. As Director, Dr. Powers developed and led initiatives focused on elevating faculty and student awareness of academic integrity and the Aggie Code of Honor. Prior to these roles, he served as the Associate Director for residence life at Baylor University from 2006 to 2011. As an undergraduate at Texas A&M, Dr. Powers served as a member of the Corps of Cadets, Commanding Officer for Squadron 2, and a Ross Volunteer.
He received an individual Traditions of Excellence Award from the Office of the Provost in 2015 and the Team Award for Traditions of Excellence in 2019. His work with students has been recognized with awards from student governments at multiple universities, student organizations, and as a Fish Camp Namesake in 2016.
Dr. Powers earned his undergraduate degree in agricultural systems management from Texas A&M in 2001 and a master’s degree in educational administration from Baylor in 2006. He received a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Texas A&M in 2020.
Dr. Jennifer Bohac ’87
Jennifer is the Director of Outreach & Donor Programs for the Texas A&M Foundation. She joined the Foundation in September 2021. Jennifer is responsible for envisioning, developing, implementing, and overseeing meaningful donor outreach programs and concierge-level opportunities to complement and support the mission and goals of Texas A&M Foundation. She utilizes relationships, creativity, a keen understanding of donor interests, and detailed knowledge of Texas A&M University to craft donor programs and special high-touch events to enhance engagement and inspire philanthropic giving. Jennifer showcases Texas A&M and provides ‘behind the scenes’ experiences for special guests and VIPs visiting Aggieland. In addition, Jennifer represents the Texas A&M Foundation within the local community and fosters strategic alliances for improving local and global engagement.
Jennifer joins the Foundation directly from The Association of Former Students where she was responsible for leading the Traveling Aggies program for 20 years. Serving as Director of Travel Programs, she planned, coordinated, and executed trips all over the world and on all 7 continents growing the program from 10-12 trips per year to 80 plus trips per year reaching approximately 1,500 former students traveling with the Aggies. In this role, she was responsible for maintaining relationships with travelers and tour operators, promoting programs and offerings, coordinating the marketing and branding efforts working with communications, and coordinating scheduled and travel logistics. She served as “the face” of Traveling Aggies cultivating lasting relationships and positive first impressions serving as an ambassador in numerous Association events and engagement opportunities.
Prior to her joining the Traveling Aggies, Jennifer worked at Texas A&M University for 10 years first as an Academic Counselor in the Ag Economics department then moved to a role charged with developing and directing the Athletic Career Services Program. In this capacity she oversaw student-athletes’ summer employment, jobs upon graduation, and NCAA employment compliance. This was a joint endeavor between the Athletic Department, the Career Center, and the Compliance Office.
Jennifer spent 2 years at the University of Minnesota as the Director of Student-Athlete Development where she oversaw 700 student-athletes’ community service, career development, leadership programming, and personal development. She authored a textbook with Prentice Hall publishers in 2000 titled Career Game Plan for Student-Athletes. During her tenure, she has also taught numerous classes at Minnesota and Texas A&M including Life Skills, Succeeding in College, Career Development, and Leadership Development.
Jennifer graduated from Texas A&M University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. She also received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics in 1988. While working full-time on campus, Jennifer completed her master’s degree at A&M in Higher Education Administration in 1994. She received her Ph.D. in the same field in 1998. Her dissertation was titled, “Occupational Progress and Career Planning of Former Football Players in the Newly Created Big 12 Conference”.
Jennifer currently serves as an emeritus board member from higher education, colleges, & universities on the Executive Advisory Board of the National Educational Travel Consortium. Jennifer is on the Board for the Salvation Army of Brazos County. She is also a member of the City of Bryan Senior Advisory Council and a board member of her Homeowners Association.
Dr. Craig Rotter ’92
Dr. Craig Rotter ‘92 is a proud, passionate product of Texas A&M — four degrees later, he’s still all in. His entire career has been about leadership, community, and creating opportunities for people, especially in ways they never expected. Craig is a former Buck Weirus Spirit Award recipient and was recognized in Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, but his real pride has always been in the people and places he’s served.
From 2001 to 2018, Craig spent 17 years in Residence Life within the Division of Student Affairs at Texas A&M, working every day to help students grow as leaders, build real connections, and succeed in the classroom and beyond. His work has always been personal, grounded in relationships, developing people, and believing deeply in what Aggies can accomplish.
From 2018 to 2024, Craig took that same passion statewide as Executive Director of the Texas Rural Leadership Program (TRLP) with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. That role took him across Texas small towns, rural counties, and communities that deserve a seat at the table. His focus never changed: bring people together, build up local leaders, and create space for real, lasting change.
Craig continues to serve on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Development Council (COADC), building resources for future Aggies, and on the board of Collegiate Edu-Nation, working to open doors and expand opportunities for rural public school students across Texas.
And at the center of it all — the classroom. For over 20 years, Craig has taught formal leadership education in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications. In Fall 2024, he proudly moved full time into a faculty role as Lecturer, teaching over 300 students every semester. But titles aside, Craig has always believed the real work is helping people grow. His classes go beyond leadership theory — they’re about how to show up, lead with purpose, and use your education to make an impact.
Craig believes in leadership that serves others and in Texas A&M University’s responsibility to make the world better, one person, one community, one step at a time.
Dr. Katy Lane ’03
Katy Lane, Ph.D. is the director of the Center for International Business Studies and a clinical assistant faculty in the Department of Management at Mays Business School. She has worked in international education at Texas A&M for 15 years, impacting countless Aggies with new programs and initiatives. This summer, she led her 12th study abroad program.
Dr. Lane received her B.A. in Mathematics, her M.S. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences, and her Ph.D. in Leadership, Education and Communications from Texas A&M University. As a student, she served as an officer in Class Councils and her residence hall, a Vice President in the Student Government Association, and President of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). She was also a member of the first Texas A&M Women’s Cross Country team to complete in the National Championship and co-founded Aggies Can which celebrates 25 years this fall.
Dr. Lane has visited more 28 countries on five continents. She enjoys volunteering at church and watching Aggie sports with her husband, Keith, and their two children.
Kelli Hutka ’97
Kelli Hutka ’97 serves as Associate Director at Texas A&M University’s Career Center, where she leads mentoring initiatives and supports strategic programs that enhance student success. She joined the Career Center in 2023 after more than 21 years at The Association of Former Students, where she worked closely with students, faculty, and staff, and oversaw the iconic Aggie Ring Program.
Kelli and her husband, Marcus ’96, own an equine clinic in Waller, Texas. They are proud parents of four children—Rylee ’25, Bryant ’28, Haley (16), and Elyssa (11)—and grandparents to a spirited 2.5-year-old granddaughter. Outside of work and family activities, Kelli enjoys spending time outdoors, relaxing on the front porch, hand-stitching, exploring the world of horse racing, and getting lost in a good book.
Robert Sturdivant ’21
In my current role within Student Development in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, I spearhead the College recruitment strategy, working alongside 15 different academic departments to craft a cohesive approach across the College. I am passionate about helping high school students find their place at Texas A&M University and empowering them to envision the boundless opportunities available to them. Beyond recruitment, I serve as an advisor for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council, Ambassadors, and the Collegiate Farm Bureau. Additionally, I provide primary staff support for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Freshman Experience and the Dean’s Excellence Scholar program.
Before my current position, I worked at a local church, where I played a pivotal role in supporting strategic projects and the efforts of our Executive Leadership team. My contributions underscore my focus on driving impactful change and enhancing organizational effectiveness.
My deepest passion is to foster an environment for students to grow and know themselves deeper. I believe strongly in the value of discipleship and mentorship and pouring into the next group of students.
Col. (R) Michael D. Reilly, USMC ’94
Col Reilly is a 1994 graduate of Texas A&M University and 29-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served in a wide variety of leadership positions from the national to tactical levels and across all three Marine Expeditionary Forces and the intelligence community.
Col Reilly served as a commanding officer at every level in the Marine Corps; from platoon to installation. Specifically, he commanded rifle and 81mm mortar platoons with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment; Company H, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion; 3rd Intelligence Battalion; and the Combined Arms Training Center at Camp Fuji, Japan.
Col Reilly held staff positions in 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment; III MEF G-2; II MEF G-2; and 2nd MEB G-2. He additionally served in the Defense Intelligence Agency (Joint Staff J-2), the National Security Agency, and in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command J3/5.
Col Reilly and his family lived in Japan for seven years and he deployed seven times; including two foreign humanitarian support operations and two combat deployments to Afghanistan.
Col Reilly completed his 29-year military career by serving as the Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science, NROTC Unit Texas A&M University and now serves as an Associate Professor of the Practice at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Dr. Janice Epstein ’92
Dr. Janice Laurie Epstein is an Instructional Associate Professor of Mathematics at Texas A&M University and Special Assistant to the Director of Stakeholder & Community Relations at Brookhaven National Laboratory. With a Ph.D. in Physics from Texas A&M and a B.S. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley, Dr. Epstein has spent over three decades advancing STEM education, equity, and student success. She has taught and coordinated high-enrollment mathematics courses, mentored numerous teaching assistants, and co-authored several widely adopted textbooks, including Business Mathematics and Applied Finite Mathematics. A seasoned academic leader, she has served on Texas A&M’s Faculty Senate since 2009, holding roles such as Executive Committee Member, Caucus Leader, and Co-Chair of the Academic Course Guide Manual Advisory Committee for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, impacting over 1.3 million students in Texas. Her research and development work has led to over $850,000 in funded initiatives focused on online learning, curriculum redesign, and retention in STEM. She helped design and implement Texas A&M’s Core Curriculum and Cultural Discourse requirement and pioneered online and hybrid precalculus instruction. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, she leads outreach efforts through programs like Pride Alliance, Brookhaven Women in Science, and My Brother’s Keeper. Her many honors include the Leadership in Online Instructional Training Award and the Inaugural Walter Daugherity Faculty Senate Service Award, recognizing her lasting impact on education and academic governance.