United Way Of The Brazos Valley Update With UWBV Partner Agency Grimes Health Resource Center April 13, 2026

Sole Finalist For Texas A&M President Is A&M System Veteran Susan Ballabina

The Texas A&M system board of regents names a sole finalist for president of the flagship campus. Susan Ballabina has more than 30 years experience at the university and other system agencies. Since June of 2025, Ballabina has been the system’s executive vice chancellor since shortly after chancellor Glenn Hegar took over. She moved to the system after being chief of staff to former president Mark Welsh. A system statement noted Ballabina was originally on the search committee, but she withdrew prior to applying for the presidency and had no role in evaluating candidates. The regents will take final action on the appointment following a state mandated 21 day waiting period. Click below to hear comments from the April 13, 2026 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting. Listen to “Sole finalist for Texas A&M president is A&M system veteran Susan Ballabina” on Spreaker. News release from the Texas A&M system: The Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System today voted unanimously to name Dr. Susan Ballabina as the sole finalist for president of Texas A&M University. “On behalf of the Board, we are confident Dr. Ballabina is the right leader for Texas A&M University,” said Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton. “She brings unparalleled knowledge of Texas A&M, a collaborative leadership style and the experience and know-how to guide the university with vision and purpose. Equally importantly, she cares deeply about the people and communities this university serves.” Dr. Ballabina currently serves as Executive Vice Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, where she oversees systemwide operations, advances key strategic initiatives and works closely with the Board of Regents, university presidents and agency leadership across Texas. With more than three decades of service to Texas A&M and the State of Texas, Dr. Ballabina has held senior leadership roles at both the university and A&M System, including Chief of Staff to the president, Senior Vice President for Academic and Strategic Collaborations and Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer for Texas A&M AgriLife. Throughout her career, Dr. Ballabina has spearheaded transformative initiatives such as Healthy Texas, cultivated landmark partnerships like the Aplin Center, and coordinated statewide disaster recovery efforts — including the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas following Hurricane Harvey — demonstrating her lifelong dedication to advancing Texas A&M’s land-grant mission. “Dr. Ballabina is a proven leader who understands this institution, the people it serves and the responsibility it carries for the State of Texas,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “As Texas A&M celebrates its 150th year, it is critical that we have leadership focused on results, accountability and preparing the university for continued success in the years ahead. She is prepared to lead Texas A&M forward.” The Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her leadership experience, deep understanding of Texas A&M University and demonstrated success advancing key priorities and delivering meaningful results. “Having worked alongside so many dedicated members of this university for the past 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand the remarkable impact Texas A&M has on students, communities and our state,” Dr. Ballabina said. “I am honored by the trust and confidence of the Board of Regents and Chancellor Hegar, and if given the opportunity, I look forward to building on the incredible work already underway and leading Texas A&M into its next chapter.” Dr. Ballabina initially served on the presidential search committee and formally recused herself prior to applying for the position. She had no role in evaluating candidates and was considered through the same process as all other finalists. The appointment is subject to the state’s required 21-day waiting period before final action by the Board of Regents. Dr. Ballabina received her bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University, master’s from Stephen F. Austin State University, and doctorate in public affairs from The University of Texas at Dallas. She has been recognized as a Regents Fellow by the A&M System, is a four-time recipient of the Superior Service Award from AgriLife Extension and was named a Distinguished Alumna of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Tarleton State University. The Texas A&M University System also expressed its appreciation for Tommy Williams, who has served as interim president during the transition. “The A&M System is grateful to Tommy Williams for his steady leadership and service to Texas A&M during this important time,” Hegar said. “He has provided stability and continuity for the university, and we appreciate his continued commitment to the institution.”

Weekend Alcohol Related Arrests In College Station

Saturday’s cancellation of Chilifest didn’t stop a crowd of more than 600 from showing up Saturday night (April 11) in College Station’s fraternity row area. Arrest reports from College Station police say the president of the Pi Kappa Alpha and vice president of the Sigma Chi fraternities were arrested for disorderly conduct due to the noise from a party that did not have a required city permit. Another CSPD arrest report shows someone who tried to get in but was blocked due to what was described as overoccupancy, was arrested for disorderly conduct-abuse by hitting a security guard in the face with an open hand. And from the size of the crowd, CSPD published only one arrest report charging anyone with public intoxication. That person, along with the man who hit the guard and the fraternity leaders, are all out of jail after posting bonds promising they will show up at future court appearances. Brazos County jail records shows 70 people were booked over the weekend for public intoxication. 67 of the 70 were arrested by College Station police. A majority of those who were arrested, were charged for the first time. And most of the arrests were in the Northgate district. Among them, was a 21 year old man from College Station in Northgate. His arrest report says he told officers in slurred speech about a robbery where he was the victim because he was overcharged six dollars for food. He also told the officer his level of intoxication was a six out of ten after consuming five shots of vodka, two shots of peppermint schnapps, one pitcher of vodka soda, and one beer.

PLAY BALL! Begins At New Bond Funded Ballfields At College Station’s Brian Bachmann Park

PLAY BALL! is underway at more than $7 million dollars of improvements at the city of College Station’s Brian Bachmann community park. One of the projects approved by College Station city voters in November 2022, there is a new building for little league, another building for senior league and soccer, and new covered seating and protective netting at four ballfields. The project demolished structures built in 1984 and 1994 and were replaced with facilities that have expanded restrooms, concessions areas, and storage for user groups. One building has a plaque recognizing Bill Whitehead, who spent more than 30 years with College Station Little League as a coach and board member.  The other building has a plaque recognizing Jodie Moore, who served on the College Station Little League board from 1997-2001 and was American League president between 1999-2001. Click below to hear comments from city of College Station parks and recreation director Kelsey Heiden, the president of College Station’s Little League Robert Parr, and WTAW’s Bill Oliver. Listen to “Play Ball!!! begins at new bond funded ballfields at College Station's Brian Bachmann Park” on Spreaker.