As the Executive Director of the Marilyn Kent Byrne Student Success Center for the College of Education & Human Development at Texas A&M University, Kelley leads all retention and persistence efforts for the close to 5,000 undergraduate students enrolled in CEHD. This includes leading the programming for students on academic probation, first-generation student programming, and programming to support the leadership development of students within the college. With experience working with first-gen students and minoritized populations at a two-time ASPEN Award finalist HSI community college, a small private HSI institution, and now at a large Tier I Research Institution he has been involved in creating and implementing multiple programs to support students holistically. Kelley is a current doctoral student, the past Chair of the Advocacy Group for FirstGen Forward (NASPA - Center For First-Generation Student Success), the Co-creator of the Black First-gen Collective, and the Co-Chair for Professional Development for the NASPA Knowledge Community Student Affairs Partnering with Academic Affairs. 

Dr. Joseph Sanchez was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M-San Antonio, followed by a Master’s degree in Adult Education from Texas A&M-College Station, and an Ed.D. in Developmental Education Administration from Sam Houston State University. A third-generation educator, Dr. Sanchez has dedicated the past 14 years to higher education, contributing to enrollment management, recruitment, advising, and student success. Currently, he serves as the Program Manager for the Byrne Student Success Center, overseeing learning communities and academic coaching initiatives within the College of Education & Human Development. Dr. Sanchez is also a proud father of three daughters: Cecilia, Juliana, and Liliana.

Victor Alfonso Castillo joined CEHD as the Assistant Director for the Byrne Student Success Center in September 2024. Born and raised in Bryan/College Station, TX, Victor earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Texas A&M University (TAMU). After completing his undergraduate degree, he spent about ten years advising and managing programs for first-generation and low-income students in multiple roles at TAMU. During this time, he also earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration in Higher Education from TAMU. Victor is passionate about working with first-generation and low-income students because he identifies with their experiences. He draws on his own background to guide his students, helping them navigate their educational journey in ways he himself had to. My primary role is to support and promote student success both inside and outside of the classroom.

Therese Wales earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication and Journalism from Texas A&M University in 2022. As an undergraduate student, she worked in Development as an Administrative Intern and Program Aide. She has planned and coordinated many large events for the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M. She now acts as the Administrative Coordinator and Student Success Advocate for the Byrne Student Success Center.

Destiny Andrews transferred from a community college, Temple College before earning a BS degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University. She received her Master’s in Adult and Higher Education from University of Houston-Victoria. She has worked in higher education for approximately 7 years with professional experience in scholarships and financial aid, recruitment & onboarding, advising & academic coaching, and worked as a Development Coordinator in the Foundation at the College of the Mainland. Her journey has now brought her back to Texas A&M University as she is currently working towards her PhD in Higher Education Administration and holds a graduate assistantship in the Byrne Student Success Center. “I have served in many different roles carrying one common goal, being of service to students."

Joycelyn Anderson, LPC-S, NCC, serves as the Embedded Professional Counselor IV in the Byrne Student Success Center. Joycelyn approaches therapeutic individual and group counseling from a multifaceted viewpoint, being both gentle and passionate when working with emerging adults at Texas A&M University. Her clinical interests include interpersonal awareness, holistic personal growth/identity development, self-worth/self-esteem, and performance issues. Understanding the competitive nature of credentialing examinations and the pressure applicants face, Joycelyn employs a behavioral blend of solution-focused brief, cognitive behavioral therapeutic approaches. She is dedicated to creating a positive, safe environment for all Aggies.

Her research focuses on examining active help-seeking behavior in first-generation college students, the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students, networking institutional resources for strengthened mental health support of college students, and organizational leadership within embedded mental health university counseling settings.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Joycelyn is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at South College and has earned an M.A. in Professional Counseling, an M.A. in  School Counseling from Amberton University, and a B.M.E. from Alcorn State University. She has completed clinical training in Counselor Supervision and has served as a doctoral internship administrative group supervisor.