Arch H. Aplin III ’80 Department of Marketing Naming Honors Buc-ee’s Founder

Mays Business School has named its marketing department in honor of Arch H. “Beaver” Aplin III ’80, founder and CEO of the iconic Buc-ee’s travel centers and a former student of Texas A&M University, in recognition of a $10 million donation to the department. The historic gift to the Arch H. Aplin III ’80 Department of Marketing includes:

• A $1 million endowment to provide scholarship support for students in the Aplin Department of Marketing at Mays, especially those engaged with the Center for Retailing Innovation
• A $9 million excellence fund to be used at the discretion of the head of the Aplin Department of Marketing

These new resources will create significant opportunities that will elevate the department to an even greater position of national and international preeminence.

“Mr. Aplin’s remarkable generosity reflects his deep commitment to Texas A&M and to developing the next generation of business leaders,” said Dr. Nate Y. Sharp, dean of Mays Business School. “His incredible success story encompasses the entrepreneurial spirit, strategic marketing, and commitment to the Aggie Core Values that we strive to instill in our students.”

This latest gift continues Aplin’s extraordinary legacy of support to his alma mater. Aplin, who graduated from Texas A&M in 1980 with a construction science degree, originally committed $50 million in 2022, to create the Aplin Center, support hospitality education and name the Arch H. Aplin III ’80 Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Since opening his first Buc-ee’s location in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1982, Aplin has transformed the convenience store industry by focusing on exceptional customer service, immaculate facilities, and a distinctive brand experience. His business philosophy — “Exceed customers’ expectations” — has turned Buc-ee’s into a beloved institution known for its pristine restrooms, numerous fuel pumps, vast merchandise selection, and well-compensated employees. Aplin’s marketing and retail acumen has previously been recognized by Mays’ Center for Retailing Innovation, which presented him with the prestigious M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant Award.

When the Aplin Center opens in 2028, the Center for Retailing Innovation will manage its retail storefront, providing experiential learning opportunities for students in the Aplin Department of Marketing who will make real merchandising and marketing decisions, use data and analytics to understand consumers, develop products and brands, and design customer experiences that connect strategy with execution.

“By partnering with industry, these retail spaces will give students access to cutting-edge technologies, meaningful decision-making experiences and opportunities for faculty research,” said Thomas McMillan ’05, director of the business school’s Center for Retailing Innovation. “This is where innovation meets the consumer and where Texas A&M will prepare the next generation of retail leaders across every corner of commerce.”

In addition, the Aplin Center will house immersive learning labs for students in hospitality-related fields and the campus visitor center. A gathering space for Aggies to relax, eat, and shop, it will be the nation’s largest facility built from locally sourced Texas timber. The architectural renderings emphasize a welcoming atmosphere aligned with the spirit that both Texas A&M and Buc-ee’s are known for.

“What we’re doing inside the building will be incredible for Texas A&M, for former students, for students and for all our visitors,” said Aplin. “The Texas A&M culture and friendships influenced me and my business career in many ways. I’m just giddy about being able to do something to give back. I’ve never seen anything like what we’re creating here.”