Advancing Innovative Education

By Dorian Martin ’06

Paige Johnson ’21 has a special perspective on Mays Business School.

As the granddaughter of school namesake Lowry Mays ’57, Johnson grew up listening to the noted business leader talk about the importance of education, hard work, and resilience in achieving success. He also engrained in her the responsibility to give back.

Johnson eventually forged her own path at Texas A&M, earning a finance degree and minoring in Spanish. “Mays teaches you that the real world is not going to be easy, but they are going to do everything that they can to prepare you for it,” she said. “They teach you that if you put your head down and work hard, you can do anything that you want to do. That grit has really benefitted me more than anything in the work world.”

Now, the Susser Bank credit analyst serves as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, bringing a recent graduate’s viewpoint to the council’s work. Her insights are critical as Mays strives to become the preeminent public business school in the nation.

Building the Future

This deep understanding of the school’s history, the current student experience, the changing educational needs of future Aggies, and the rapidly evolving expectations of corporations has made Johnson a staunch advocate for the construction of the new Business Education Complex (BEC). “The world now is so different from when Mays Business School was first established,” she said. “Today’s students learn in a completely different way than my grandfather’s or even my parents’ generation and technology and knowledge are expanding exponentially. I believe it is crucial for Mays Business School to remain current and able to adapt. The BEC will play a major part in that evolution.”

And the Dallas resident is not alone in feeling this way. Former Students have already committed more than $36 million to support the complex’s construction. The collective BEC’s lead gift of $15 million comes from the Mays Family Foundation and Wayne Roberts ’85 ’86 committed $7.5 million as the new building’s lead donor. Jerry Cox ’72 also established a $5 million gift to support the building’s atrium.

Relationships, Collaboration, Innovation

Slated to open in 2025, the BEC will significantly expand the business school’s footprint. Readily visible from Olsen Boulevard, the complex consisting of a new state-of-the art building, an outdoor plaza, and the Wehner Building will serve as the welcoming front porch for current students, Former Students, faculty, staff, and business executives. In addition, the BEC will be a major West Campus hub, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary educational experiences, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The BEC’s design supports the school’s deep commitment to fostering relationships and collaboration. “Mays is the most unique school at Texas A&M because it feels like family,” Johnson said. “Many classes are so small and there are so many group projects. You really get to know the people you’re learning with.”

The BEC’s welcoming atmosphere will begin in Collaboration Plaza, which will link the new building with Wehner. This plaza’s covered outdoor seating area will be conducive to studying, meeting, and relaxing between classes.

The new building’s grand atrium continues the focus on fostering relationships. Flexible seating and a café encourage spontaneous ‘chance collisions’ that can spark the sharing of ideas. The atrium’s open design also will offer the perfect venue for large events, such as lectures, career fairs, and banquets.

Purposeful design shows the school’s commitment to fostering teamwork through free-form huddle spaces and enclosed collaboration spaces for small groups spread throughout the building. Additionally, high-energy and flexible learning studios boasting the latest technology will support learner-centered instructional practices. “I think the BEC is going to be crucial in expanding the faculty’s use of cutting-edge technology in the classroom,” Johnson said. “Students learn differently now with all of the online learning and technology that emerged during COVID.”

Ultimately, Johnson believes these modern facilities along with Former Students’ continued commitment to Mays will catch the attention of prospective Aggies. “Drawing students to the family aspect of the business school while also giving them these incredible new facilities will encourage people to want be part of Mays,” Johnson said. “And as Former Students give back to Texas A&M and specifically to Mays, the school is going to only continue to improve. We all know that Aggies tend to run generationally so I want this business school and university to be the best it can be.  The new building sets the foundation for advancing innovative business education that will benefit future generations of Aggies.”

Catch the news about the BEC