Staff Council Members

PRESIDENT

Assistant Dean of Students
Returning Member (Class of 2024)
Committee(s):

I have been working at A&M-SA for a little over 8 years (it will be 9 years in December 2024) and I have been working in higher education since 2009. My top 5 CliftonStrengths are Learner, Analytical, Discipline, Restorative, and Responsibility. I love engaging in conversations around CliftonStrengths (not sure what is, just ask and I'll get you a code!). I hope to increase awareness of the great things that are happening on our campus, elevate ideas to enhance our university and bring creative solutions to challenges facing our staff members. Please don't hesitate to reach out. It's going to be a great year!

VICE PRESIDENT/PRESIDENT-ELECT

Reba Sims

Dr. Reba Sims

Director, Student Housing
Member (Class of 2025)
Committee(s):

I joined the A&M-SA team November 2019 as the Coordinator for Family Engagement after over 11 years years working in housing and residence life. In May 2023, I returned to my first love taking on the role of the inaugural Director of Student Housing. During my time on the team, I have spearheaded and collaborated on initiatives to better serve families, students, and in particular parenting students. I serve on the team of certified Clifton Strengths coaches and have enjoyed working with students, staff, and community entities in this realm. I believe in lifelong learning, so I am a part of the third cohort for Leadership Academy and the Alexander Briseno Leadership Development Program Steering Committee through the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as well. I work diligently behind the scenes to ensure that the show goes on without a hitch.

I love the work that I do and get to be a part of on a day-to-day basis. I am excited to serve on Staff Council to elevate the staff perspective and experience while keeping in minder the university’s mission. I’m excited for another awesome year of problem solving, recognition, and good times! Paws Up Jags!

TREASURER

Abel Morales

Assistant Director of Budgets
Member (Class of 2025)
Committee(s):

¿¡Que pasa Mufasas!? I am originally from Harlingen, Texas and began my career in higher e

ducation with A&M system back in 2013. I moved to San Antonio and joined the Jaguar family 2 ½ years ago as part of the Budget Office. My undergraduate career originally had my career sights on certified financial planning, but I found my niche in higher education when I interned with the budget office. Being able to see how the Budget Office strategically plans and prepares the fiscal budget for the University’s mission and vision truly gauged and challenged me to help provide all students an opportunity to achieve their goals while attending college. I am proud to be nominated by my peers and I look forward to serving with everyone on Staff Council. Go Jags Go!

PARLIAMENTARIAN/HISTORIAN

Clint Kingsbery

Assistant Director of Testing and TSI
Incoming Member (Class of 2026)
Committee(s): Communications/Marketing

I interned at TAMUSA in 2017, and started as the Testing Center Coordinator in 2019 after 13 years as a Mathematics Teacher. I shifted to the Assistant Director of Testing and TSI in spring of 2024. I'm happy to be your representative on staff council. I look forward to improving the employee experience, acknowledging your accomplishments, and building a stronger staff representation at TAMUSA.

SECRETARY

Jennifer Valdez

Human Resources Generalist I
Returning Member (Class of 2026)
Committee(s): Social & Community Service

I have been a part of TAMUSA since 2018. Started out as a student, graduated in 2021 and currently an employee for Human Resources. I am grateful for the experience and opportunities provided by the campus as the have shaped me to be the person I am today. I am excited to have become a member of Staff Council because I believe providing resources to our employees and students can help our campus grow.

Representatives

Joni Foster

Executive Assistant to the Provost, Academic Affairs
Member (Class of 2025)
Committee(s):

I am proud to be an A&M-SA Jaguar and a founding staff member. My journey in higher education began at Texas A&M University-Kingsville System Center-San Antonio (TAMUK-SCSA), located at the Palo Alto College (PAC) campus. This year marked my 20th year of service to the University. I was honored to serve on the inaugural staff council and again in 2015. I am thankful for another opportunity, and I will continue to do my very best to be a voice for the staff of this awesome university!

Melissa Gamez-Herrera

Library Associate II
Member (Class of 2025)
Committee(s):

"Hello! My name is Melissa Gamez Herrera and I have been working at TAMU-SA since 2022. I work in the University Library where I purchase and make books and other resources available to our wonderful students, faculty, staff and the community. I enjoy what I do and am excited to be a part of Staff Council to be able to make this campus a better place for our staff."

Daniel Rendon

Deputy Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services
Member (Class of 2025)
Committee(s):

I have been a part of A&M-SA for nearly 12 years, starting as a student in 2012 to now, the deputy chief information officer in IT and adjunct faculty member in the College of Business. A&M-San Antonio is where I started my career in higher education, first, as an academic advisor, then a school certifying official in Military Affairs, and currently in the Information Technology Services department. As a veteran and educator, I am honored and humbled to be able to assist the university and its students in an impactful role. As a kid of the southside of San Antonio like many of our students, I see the enormous impact the university has in the community and its future generations. I am excited to be part of the Staff Council and look forward to serving the university in this capacity.

Michelle Costa

Director of Masters Programs for the College of Arts and Sciences
Incoming Member (Class of 2026)
Committee(s):

Hello colleagues! I came to TAMUSA in 2021 to launch the 11 month MBA and MS in Cybersecurity and then moved over to College of Arts & Sciences to help their graduate programing as the Director of Graduate Programs. I truly believe the work we do, the way we engage and the example we set will have lasting impacts on our community! As an Army veteran, there is a special place in my heart for our campus veteran population. I am thrilled to serve as Staff Council member for the upcoming year and look forward to seeing you around campus!

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” ― Albert Einstein

Myles Lofland

Associate Director, Career Services
Incoming Member (Class of 2026)
Committee(s):

I am the Associate Director of Career Services for the Mays Center arriving at Texas A&M University-San Antonio during the Fall 2023 semester after three consecutive years of award-winning service directing a career center in Abilene, TX. I am a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach with the top two themes of Belief and Competition that play out in my life each day in my faith and my love for seeing students and colleagues win. I hope to use the time I have been gifted on Staff Council to serve as many colleagues as possible and see even more great things happen for the TAMUSA family!

Jessica Reynolds

Director, First Year Experience
Incoming Member (Class of 2026)
Committee(s):

I started working at A&M-SA in 2020 as a Lecturer for First-Year Seminar. I have been the Director for First-Year Experience since 2023. I am originally from Corpus Christi, TX, but I moved to San Antonio about 9 years ago in 2015. I am currently working on my PhD where I research students’ perceived academic self-efficacy during their first year of college. I have been passionate about helping students since I was a Peer Leader in 2009 at my undergrad institution. While serving on Staff Council, I am looking forward to applying the passion I have for student success towards advocating for my A&M-SA colleagues.

Kevin Castro

Social Media Coordinator
Incoming Member (Class of 2026)
Committee(s):

What's up, JagFam! I began my journey with A&M-San Antonio in the Fall of 2017, transferring to the University as an undergrad. During my time as a student, I was a part of various student organizations, which opened my eyes to the power of higher education. After graduating in 2019, I returned to A&M-San Antonio as a staff member in 2021 and in the Spring of 2024 I completed my MBA at the University. I am a firm believer in the transformative potential of A&M-San Antonio and I see the University as a means for students to become trailblazers, groundbreakers, and difference-makers. I am thrilled to collaborate with my fellow Staff Council members to make a meaningful impact. #PawsUp

Valeria Cazares Reyna

Student Life Coordinator - Student Organizations
Incoming Member (Class of 2026)
Committee(s):

I have been in the Jaguar community since 2016 as I was part of the inaugural class and became an alumnus in 2020. Go Jaguars! Throughout my undergraduate career, I was able to engage with student organizations and work on campus where I realized how much I enjoyed supporting students through their jaguar journey. I was able to learn about the benefits that higher education provides for all students in and out of the classroom! I have been working full-time at A&M-San Antonio since September 2020 currently work with the Office of Student Life as the Coordinator for Student Organizations. I am an advocate for student success and engagement through leadership opportunities and campus engagement. I am excited to serve, support and find different ways to engage with my fellow A&M-San Antonio colleagues!

Iris Castillo

Business Coordinator Ⅲ
Incoming Member (Class of 2026)
Committee(s):

I am originally from the Rio Grande Valley and have been in San Antonio for 18 years. I returned to TAMUSA in 2018 as a nontraditional transfer student and became involved on campus in SGA, where I discovered a passion for higher education. Since September 2022, I have worked in the President’s office full-time and continue to grow in my role. As a Fall 2022 alumni, I have the privilege of seeing our growing campus from different perspectives. I am excited to join the Staff Council and hope to use my time to bridge gaps and help my fellow staff members. My top 5 Clifton Strengths are belief, communication, strategic, learner, and input.

Stephania Gonzalez

Business Administrator Ⅰ
Incoming Member (Class of 2026)
Committee(s):

Hello, I joined the Texas A&M-San Antonio team in 2018, starting as an administrative coordinator in the provost's office. After that, I progressed to the provost’s executive assistant role and spent two fulfilling years in that position before moving on to my current role as a business administrator in the Research and Health Sciences department. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the Staff Council for the next two years. My dedication lies in cultivating a supportive environment for all staff members and enriching the university community’s overall well-being.

Jessica Gillenwater

Administrative Associate Ⅴ
Incoming Member (Class of 2026)
Committee(s):

My life at Texas A&M San Antonio started in 2021, when I began as a student. Fast forward to November 2023, when I became part of the staff as the Administrative Assistant for the Natural Sciences Department and now a graduate of the class of 2024. I previously worked at the primary education level but have found my niche in higher education. I have learned and gained so much experience in the short time that I have been here. As a new member of the Staff Council, I hope to be a voice and advocate for our wonderful staff here at Texas A&M San Antonio.