QEP - Key Persons


Abagail Evans

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Coordinator
  • Administrative Coordinator II
  • Autonomy Research Institute
Abagail Evans is the Administrative Coordinator II for the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. She works in direct administrative support of the Executive Director to provide assistance for all organizational needs in research, innovation, and advancement of UAS technologies at ARI. Prior to joining the ARI team, Abagail worked in the office of Enrollment Management as the Coordinator of Freshmen Processing at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi for over two years. Abagail holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and is currently pursuing her Master's degree.

Adrian Rodriguez

Job Titles:
  • Vice President for Student Engagement & Success & Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics

Alan Gutierrez

Job Titles:
  • Chief, University Police

Albert Bejarano

Job Titles:
  • Project Director
  • Autonomy Research Institute
  • Project Director, Operations, Test & Evaluation
Albert Bejarano is the Project Director for Operations, Test & Evaluation for the Autonomy Research Institue (ARI), Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. He is responsible for the planning, implementation, and coordination of safety and environmental programs, procedures, and policies. He also facilitates the identification of safety and environmental risks and promotes reduction or elimination of potential accidents, occupational injuries, illnesses, deaths, and safety-related financial losses to ARI. Prior to joining the ARI team, Albert served as the Airport Operations Manager for Corpus Christi International Airport and the Airport Operations Supervisor for El Paso International Airport. Albert has also earned his Certified Member (C.M.) certification through the American Association of Airport Executives, AAAE. Albert has over 11 years of aviation experience and currently holds an FAA private pilot license and a UAS Part 107 license. Albert also volunteers in the Civil Air Patrol and is currently assigned as the Safety Officer and Communications Officer for Texas Squadron 26. Albert holds a bachelor's degree in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University- Carbondale.

Alex Zavala

Job Titles:
  • Talent Acquisition Analyst

Alexis Rodriguez

Job Titles:
  • Talent Acquisition Analyst

Alfred (Freddy) Sustaita

Job Titles:
  • Director, Environmental Health & Safety

Alison Washburn

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Associate
  • Administrative Associate III
  • Autonomy Research Institute
Alison Washburn is the Administrative Associate III for the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI). She is responsible for coordinating daily office support activities and administrative interactions, such as the maintenance of files, records, office supplies and equipment. Prior to joining the ARI team, Alison worked in various registration and secretary positions in medical facilities. She also previously worked for TAMUCC from March 2012-December 2017. This included a year as the Database Assistant for the Office of the Vice President of Institutional Advancement. The rest of the time was as the Administrative Associate IV/V for the College of Science and Engineering - Dean's Office. Alison has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. Previous living locations include Kentucky, South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, Hawai'i, Washington, and Japan.

Aliyah Lawson

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Associate IV

Allison Lewis

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice President and Chief Budget Officer

Amanda Amaro

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Associate
  • Executive

Andrew Gestrine

Job Titles:
  • Autonomy Research Institute
  • Aviation Safety Officer at the Autonomy Research Institute
Andrew Gestrine serves as the Aviation Safety Officer at the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI), Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He is responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating safety and environmental programs and ensures compliance with required regulations, procedures, and policies with primary focus on aviation. He also facilitates the identification of safety and environmental risks and promotes reduction or elimination of potential accidents, occupational injuries, illnesses, deaths, and safety-related financial losses to ARI.

Andrew Rogers

Job Titles:
  • Vice President for Finance and Administration

Angela Martinez

Job Titles:
  • Autonomy Research Institute
  • Aviation Maintenance Technician I
Angela Martinez is an Aviation Maintenance Technician I for the Autonomy Research Institiute (ARI) in Corpus Christi. Angela is a member of the Maintenance and Logistics team where her tasks involve the upkeeping of UAS systems and assisting in the logistic planning of equipment and supplies for missions. Prior to working with ARI, Angela was involved with GE Aviation for a year, assisting with the refabrication and machining of the aircraft blades. After the pandemic she started working remotely from home for 2 years with Humana Health Insurance assisting members with health plans and benefits. Angela started her education for Aviation Maintenance at Texas State Technical College and completed her basic courses, afterwards transferring to Del Mar College to continue her education in Airframe and Powerplant before changing majors and graduating from South Texas College in McAllen, Texas with an Associates of Applied Science in Manufacturing. Angela is currently working towards earning her FAA Airframe & Powerplant license.

Angela Vela

Job Titles:
  • Disability Services Coordinator

Angelia Alaniz

Job Titles:
  • Benefits Specialist

Anissa Ybarra

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager

Anna Gongora

Job Titles:
  • Grant Administrator I

Arturo Rodriguez

Job Titles:
  • Autonomy Research Institute
  • Unmanned Aircraft Pilot I - Emergency Management Operator
Arturo Rodriguez is an Emergency management UAS operator for the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI). Arturo started his career is UAS technology in the army. In the Army Arturo Flew The RQ-7B (Shadow). Arturo was trained to become an Aircraft Commander in the Military intelligence company of 16th Brigade engineer battalion. During his time in the Army, he accumulated over 300 Hours on his aircraft 150 of which were in combat in Afghanistan. Arturo was known to be dependable and resilient during his time in the Army. Arturo's expertise is in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Ashley Larrabee

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director, Marketing

Barret Flaminio

Job Titles:
  • Autonomy Research Institute
Barret Flaminio '21, '24 joined the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) team in January 2023 as a UAS Pilot I. Prior to his time with ARI, Barret worked in the Marketing and Communications Division of TAMU-CC as a Communications Specialist III. In this role, he wrote web stories, magazine feature articles, scripts, and handled media relations for the university. Barret is an Army veteran of 24 years, with experience in aviation maintenance, landmine and countermine operations, heavy demolitions, and recruitment and public relations activities. Throughout his career he held a variety of leadership positions, and held certifications in CPR/First Aid trainer, Drug and Alcohol Prevention, and Master Resiliency training. Barret is a proud Islander Alumni with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and is currently pursuing a Master's in Communication with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership.

Bell Library


Ben Soto

Job Titles:
  • Interim Associate Vice President and CIO

Bob Griffiths

Job Titles:
  • Research & Development
  • Senior Research Scientist, Autonomy

Brad Bowman

Job Titles:
  • Director, IT Infrastructure & Research Computing

Brian Reeves

Job Titles:
  • Autonomy Research Institute
Brian Reeves joined the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) in 2024 as a UAS Pilot II. Prior to this role Brian was a UAS Pilot carded to operate UAS for the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, focusing on photogrammetry of landscape scale restoration and monitoring projects. Brian served as an Oregon State Trooper and Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officer from 2000-2016 protecting state and federal natural resources. He stepped away from law enforcement to pursue a new passion in the UAS industry in 2016. Brian has a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries Management from the University of Idaho and was a heavy machine gunner in the Unites States Marine Corps from 1991-1995.

Brittany Salinas

Job Titles:
  • Military Affiliated Student Success Advisor

Carrie Coursey

Job Titles:
  • Event Services Manager

Cassondra Casanova

Job Titles:
  • Acting Chief Human Resources Officer
  • Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

Catherine Bridges

Job Titles:
  • Business Coordinator

Cecilia De La Garza

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director of Financial Assistance

Charli McCandless

Job Titles:
  • Public Information Coordinator

Chelsea Lanzener

Job Titles:
  • Director, Annual Giving

Christina Holzheuser

Job Titles:
  • Bursar

Christina Loftin

Job Titles:
  • Project Coordinator

Christine Hagen

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager for the Autonomy Research Institute
  • Project Manager III
Chris Hagen is a Project Manager for the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI), Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Chris provides financial and budgetary support to the organization and its expanding opportunities and requirements in research administration. She has built team connections and supported the growth of the university in several areas since 2016 including the Divisions of Research, Finance and Administration, and Student Engagement and Success. Prior to moving to Texas, Chris worked with another state agency and several successful small businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an Associate Degree in Business Administration.

D'Angelo Sands

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director, Federal Programs

Dean Keck

Job Titles:
  • Airspace Manager
  • Autonomy Research Institute
Dean joined the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) in April 2020 and now serves as the Airspace Manager. He coordinates ARI efforts to realize and integrate Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Urban Air Mobility concepts and industry technologies into the National Airspace (NAS). Prior to joining the staff at TAMU-CC, he served as the Deputy Director for Nevada's UAS Test Site. Dean served 22 years as a Combined Arms Officer and AH-64A Apache and AH-64D Longbow aviator and holds an FAA commercial, instrument and UAS Part 107 certification. His service includes a variety of Command and Leadership positions including several overseas and combat deployments including operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, and combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following duties as the Multi-National Corps and Forces - Iraq airspace manager during the Surge in Iraq, Dean commanded an aviation battalion in the 1st Cavalry Division. Dean holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, and Master's degree in Computer Science and Information Management.

Deborah Zentmire

Job Titles:
  • Manager Contract

Derek Yu

Job Titles:
  • Director, International Student Programs & Support

Diego Davila

Job Titles:
  • Autonomy Research Institute
  • UAS Systems Engineer I
Diego Davila is from Corpus Christi, born and raised. He went to W.B. Ray High School and then graduated in 2020 from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology. After university, Diego moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area where he started working at Hollman, Inc. as an engineer. He designed lockers and other products for manufacture and prepared detailed submittal packages for customer projects. Diego led the team responsible for the company's transition from AutoCAD to Solidworks. He also implemented a software called Driveworks that automated design processes. Diego went on to work for Grow Generation where he made 3D models of mobile racking components and systems as well as 3D models of facilities to produce layout drawings for customer projects. He also set up a vault system to manage their CAD data.

Domonique Onken

Job Titles:
  • Talent Acquisition Analyst

Don Luna

Job Titles:
  • Interim Director, Performing Arts Center

Donna Deleon

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Associate III

Donna Scott

Job Titles:
  • Director, Development - Harte Research Institute

Doris Garza

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Aviation Maintenance

Dr. Ahmed Mahdy - EVP

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President
  • Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation

Dr. Andrew Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Interim Associate Vice President of Student Success

Dr. Andy J. Benoit


Dr. Brenda Harms

Job Titles:
  • Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management

Dr. Bryan Baker

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice President for Institutional Excellence

Dr. Catherine Rudowsky

Job Titles:
  • Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs

Dr. Claudia Amy Ayala

Job Titles:
  • Associate Dean of Students, Care and Assistance / University Center
  • Associate Dean of Students, Student Care & Assistance

Dr. Crystal Ridgley

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management

Dr. David Ma


Dr. Diana Sipes

Job Titles:
  • Director, School of Arts, Media, & Communication

Dr. Janet Donaldson

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Research

Dr. Juan Carlos Huerta

Job Titles:
  • System Regents Professor

Dr. Karen McCaleb

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President and Dean of Graduate Excellence

Dr. Kelly M. Miller - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • President

Dr. Kenneth Javier

Job Titles:
  • Director, Islander Spirit and Traditions

Dr. Levi Esses

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice President for Student Life

Dr. Lisa O. Perez

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Student Support & Dean of Students
  • Associate Vice President, Student Support & Dean of Students / University Center

Dr. Richard Smith

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
  • Executive Director, Conrad Blucher Institute

Dr. Rosie Ruiz

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director, EDCS Administrator, Civil Rights Officer / Title IX Coordinator / 504 ADA Coordinator, Compliance Investigator

Dr. Theresa Sharpe

Job Titles:
  • Director, University Counseling Center

Elizabeth L. Perez

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant II

Elvia Aguilar

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director of Alumni Engagement

Eric Bird

Job Titles:
  • Chief Engineer

Eric Schultz

Job Titles:
  • Deputy Athletic Director and Assistant Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics

Erin Mulligan-Nguyen

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President of Planning, Analytics, Institutional Research, & Strategic Initiatives ( PAIRS )

Frank Gaona

Job Titles:
  • UAS Systems Engineer I

Gillian Benedetti

Job Titles:
  • Disability Services Coordinator

Gina Concannon

Job Titles:
  • Associate Executive Director

Gregory Stunz


Hamid Mansouri Rad

Job Titles:
  • Research Development Officer

Hannah Mitchell

Job Titles:
  • Grants Specialist

Irma San Miguel

Job Titles:
  • Benefits Analyst

Jaime Nodarse Barrera

Job Titles:
  • Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Javier Vera

Job Titles:
  • Software Applications Developer I

Jennifer Baker

Job Titles:
  • Director, Learning Center

Jennifer Bradley

Job Titles:
  • Interim Director
  • Interim Director of Disability Services

Jennifer Escamilla

Job Titles:
  • Payroll, Benefits, & Leave Manager

Joe Henry

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director, Grants, Research, & Administration

Joe Miller

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Director, Research Engagement

John C. B. LaRue

Job Titles:
  • Vice President for Institutional Excellence and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer

John Fortiscue

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director, CASA

John Scarpa


Jose Baca

Job Titles:
  • Research and Innovation Faculty Fellow

Josh Boyd

Job Titles:
  • Software Applications Developer IV

Judith Perales

Job Titles:
  • Director, Academic Testing

Julian Lopez

Job Titles:
  • TAMU - CC Foundation Coordinator

Justin Guajardo

Job Titles:
  • Senior Administrative Coordinator

Kellie Smith

Job Titles:
  • Director, Center for Faculty Excellence

Kenneth Roberts

Job Titles:
  • Client Technology Analyst III

Kevin Glynn

Job Titles:
  • Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer

Kevin Houlihan

Job Titles:
  • Academic & Administrative Compliance Manager

Kevin Kropp

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice President, Advancement Operations

Kevin Martin

Job Titles:
  • Director, Recreational Sports

Kimberly Becerra

Job Titles:
  • Executive Associate Vice President of Development

Kimberly Hawkenson

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Director, Sponsored Research Administration

Kristeen Baum

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director, Student Ombuds, Care & Assistance / University Center

Kristine Yancey

Job Titles:
  • Grants Specialist

Larry Lloyd

Job Titles:
  • Diving Safety Officer

Leslie Mills

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director, Career Services

Leticia Bazan

Job Titles:
  • Director, Community & Belonging

Linda Barbato

Job Titles:
  • Outreach and Compliance Coordinator

Linda Buckley

Job Titles:
  • Director of Scholarship Services

Linda Salinas

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Associate IV

Lori Flaminio

Job Titles:
  • Director of Enrollment Student Services & Support

Lucas Herb-Mullin

Job Titles:
  • Director, Residential Experience, Islander Housing

Luis Hernandez

Job Titles:
  • UAS Systems Engineer III

Luisa Buttler - CCO

Job Titles:
  • Director, Communications

Maggie Cano

Job Titles:
  • Director of Graduate Admissions

Marco Longoria

Job Titles:
  • Software Applications Developer II

Margaret Barnett

Job Titles:
  • Director, IT Enterprise Solutions

Margaret Dechant

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Community Relations

Maria Martinez

Job Titles:
  • Facilities Coordinator I

Maria Pedigo

Job Titles:
  • HR Employment Specialist II

Maria Robles

Job Titles:
  • Conduct Officer / University Center

Mariah Martinez

Job Titles:
  • Grants Specialist

Mary Alice Mixon

Job Titles:
  • Grant Administrator I

Matthew Wesson

Job Titles:
  • Project Director
  • Logistics & Maintenance

Melissa Chapa

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President - University Registrar

Melissa Gibson-Asbury

Job Titles:
  • Director, IT Transformation & Service Delivery

Melody Cox

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager, VPIA

Michael DeShazo

Job Titles:
  • Program Director
  • Data Visualization & Reporting Analyst

Michael Ferro

Job Titles:
  • Case Manager / University Center

Michael La Torre

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Dean of Students, Conduct and Advocacy / University Center
  • Assistant Dean of Students, Student Conduct & Advocacy

Michael Sanders

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
  • Executive Director, Autonomy Research Institute

Michelle Chavez

Job Titles:
  • Research Development Associate

Michelle Eisenman

Job Titles:
  • Research Specialist II - IRB

Nancy Burns

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant to the Vice President

Neftali Rivera

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Services

Nicolas Tamez

Job Titles:
  • Software Applications Developer II

Oscar Reyna

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs

Patricia Foster

Job Titles:
  • Grant Administrator I

Rene Zamora

Job Titles:
  • Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Rick Reyes

Job Titles:
  • Director, University Center

Robert Furgason

Job Titles:
  • Engineering

Roe Cantu

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Coordinator

Ronald Sepulveda

Job Titles:
  • Manager, Business Development

Sara Morgan

Job Titles:
  • Director, South Texas Institute for the Arts

Scott Meares

Job Titles:
  • Executive Associate Vice President for Operations

Seth Moran

Job Titles:
  • Airspace Manager - Emergency Management

Shannon Mathis

Job Titles:
  • Talent Acquisition Specialist / Shannon

Sonia McNeill

Job Titles:
  • Business Coordinator III

Stephanie Schmidt

Job Titles:
  • Director, Student Activities

Susan La Torre

Job Titles:
  • Associate Dean of Students, Community & Belonging / International Student Programs and Support / University Center
  • Associate Dean of Students, Community and Belonging

Susan Murphy

Job Titles:
  • Associate Provost

Tracie Perez

Job Titles:
  • Senior Associate Director of Financial Assistance

Trent Spofford

Job Titles:
  • Director, Web Services

Trent Thigpen

Job Titles:
  • Program Director

Tuan Phung

Job Titles:
  • Director, Business Operations

Tye Payne

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director, Public Operations

Valerie Jimenez

Job Titles:
  • Executive Administrative Associate / University Center

Velma Garza

Job Titles:
  • Director of Enrollment Processing

Veronica Ysaguirre

Job Titles:
  • Conduct Officer / University Center

Victor Bottari

Job Titles:
  • Facilities Coordinator I

Walter Mills

Job Titles:
  • Aviation Maintenance Technician II

Will Hobart

Job Titles:
  • Director, Procurement & Disbursement

Yazmin Diaz

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager

Yolanda Castorena

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President
  • Controller

Yvette Ortiz

Job Titles:
  • Exam Services Coordinator

Zelda Chacon

Job Titles:
  • Director, University Health Center