Mays Business Online

Scott Lee and L. Murphy Smith were recently honored for their outstanding research efforts in their respective fields.

Graduates of Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School Master of Real Estate program from 2004 through the 2012 can now boast a more valuable degree: the program was recently approved by the Appraisal Qualifications Board of The Appraisal Foundation, a congressionally-authorized nonprofit organization that fosters professionalism among real estate appraisers by setting qualifications and standards.

A program is only as good as its faculty. That’s why hiring and retaining the very best faculty members is a primary goal at Mays Business School. For the 2009-2010 school year, ten full-time tenure/tenure-track faculty members have been added to the roster from a variety of locations and a wide range of research interests. What they all have in common is a dedication to their profession that distinguishes them from their peers.

When Matt Harris ’10 stepped off the plane in New Dehli, India, he stepped into another world. The 14-hour flight had completely changed the atmosphere: there were no neat lines, no order, just masses of people surging like a living ocean, sweeping past him in powerful waves.

Financial Management Association (FMA) International has named the Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School student chapter of FMA a 2008-2009 Superior Chapter in recognition of excellence and dedication to the professional development of finance students. This is the highest level of recognition the more than 100 student chapters can attain.

Mays faculty members discuss the impact of the recently signed Credit Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009, which will limit or change the way credit card companies do business starting in February 2010.

As a successful businessman himself, educating the next generation of business leaders is important to T. Britton “Britt” Harris IV ’80. That’s why the CIO of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas has stayed involved at Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, investing his experience, time, and finances in supporting students there. He and his wife, Julia, have recently included Mays in their estate plan with a gift of $1 million for special programs.

Hunter Bollman of Katy has been appointed by Gov. Rick Perry as the newest student regent for The Texas A&M University System, effective June 1. Bollman is the fourth student to serve on the Board of Regents since the governor created the position in 2006. He replaces Anthony Cullins of Dallas.

It isn’t a resume portfolio and business suit that Conor Pollock ’09, finance major at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, is counting on to prepare for life after college. All he needs is a tennis racquet.

From Fish Camp scholarships to endowed faculty fellowships, Gina and William (Bill) Flores ‘76 invest in many areas of the Texas A&M University experience. The couple was recently honored by Mays Business School with a luncheon for their continuing support, which includes two endowed faculty fellowships in the Department of Finance at Mays.