Brazos Matters

Lauren Craig, PhD, Assistant Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology Services for Texas A&M Athletics discusses her path to this field and to Texas A&M, the teams she works with & resources available, what needs are the same & different among different sports, managing pressure in the postseason, traits that she usually sees in top athletes, things that the general public can also put into practice, growth and fixed mindsets, routines, and athlete superstitions.

Flora Charner, Professor of Practice in the Texas A&M University Department of Communication & Journalism discusses her background in journalism and path to Texas A&M, transitioning from a media career to education, examples of how she's stayed involved in the journalism field while teaching, including current events in the classroom, how the use of AI in journalism is evolving, where college students are getting their news, goals of the A&M journalism program, what skills hopeful journalists should prioritize, and renovations to the department's space in Bolton Hall.

Ashley Jackson, Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning for Texas A&M Athletics discusses with KAMU Student Content Contributor Victoria Taylor why Brazos Matters is highlighting strength and conditioning, Ashley's background and path to Texas A&M, tailoring specific training to meet the different needs of various sports, Ashley's future personal training goals, what regular people should prioritize in their own training routines, proper form, connecting with student athletes, and other growth as a result of this career.

Rev. Bryan Jody, Assoc. Pastor of College Ministry at A&M United Methodist Church discusses their new food bank, how the church identified the need for an additional food pantry near campus, the results of student surveys regarding food insecurity, how the pantry operates, how many students utilize this resource, how they're helping students get connected to other resources, the need from the international student community, local grocery partners, popular and not so popular food items, and where students can find other local food resources.

Food Resources at Texas A&M (incl. The 12th Can, Brazos Valley Food Bank, the Pocket Pantry Program, and Swipe-Out Hunger)

https://studentlife.tamu.edu/support/food-resources/

The Student Food Pantry at The A&M United Methodist Church Annex

310 College Main, College Station

Sundays - 1-3 p.m.

Wednesdays - 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Aggie Wellbeing Survey

https://sapar.tamu.edu/student-well-being-improvement-survey/

Jennifer Cain, Director of Capital Projects & Facility Management for the City of College Station discusses what qualifies as a capital project, her background and path to College Station, collaboration with stakeholders, the city's approach to capital projects, what her team looks like, coordination with TxDot, neighborhood improvements, where people can find more info, and current active projects including new water wells, fire station #7, Thomas Park, & Texas Independence Park.

Martin Zimmermann and Katie Williams from the City of Bryan discuss the 2026 Bryan comprehensive plan, what all is included in this plan, why citizens should care, why it is required, outcomes of previous plans, the role of consultants in this process, public meetings and feedback, amendments to a comprehensive plan, the online survey, benefits of having a good comprehensive plan, and how residents can get in touch with their team.

For more information, visit http://bryantx.gov/CompPlan

Graduating KAMU Students Macey Litterst, Jade Torres, and Grace Barr discuss what led them to A&M, their majors, the acceptance process, their roles at KAMU, involvement in organizations & clubs, navigating the rise of A.I. & new tech, finding community, the best and most challenging times while in college, how A&M has changed them as people, and advice for new freshmen.

Megan Culpepper, Texas A&M University Health Services Licensed Professional Counselor discusses what A&M counseling & mental health services is about, academic stress leading into the holidays, patterns in students seeking help, changes in coping with stress in this social media era, distractions from discomfort, recommended strategies for overcoming stressors, and resources available to students.

Dr. Holly Hudson, Associate Vice President for Global Engagement at Texas A&M University discusses the scope & responsibilities of the Global Engagement office, the benefits of studying abroad for participants, diplomatic benefits, study abroad in this current global political climate, increasing costs associated with study abroad, financial aid & programs at different budget levels, simplifying the application process, how Texas A&M ranks in participation, post-pandemic effects, expected outcomes of study abroad, and the need for multi-language skills.

Savannah Gaines, Development Director at Aggieland Humane Society discusses her history with AHS, the difference between the 2 shelters in town and the areas covered by each, the current pet population, their new animal transfer van, the difference in pet population between northern and southern states, the pet food pantry, how AHS is handling increasing costs, reasons someone might surrender a pet, managing fundraising, current fashionable pets, fostering opportunities, pet licensing requirements, and how people can support AHS.