Staff Contacts

ADMISSIONS

Katie Stober, Assistant Director of Admissions

Katie travels internationally to recruit students. She also responds to inquiries to Mays’ website and tries to encourage these candidates to complete an application. Katie also interviews candidates as part of the selection process. You’ll interact with Katie regularly as a candidate, but may only see her in the office or at special events once you’re a student at Mays.

What is your superpower in life?
Being the voice of common sense to tightly wound and anxious students, yet dismissing realism and possessing eternal optimism related to Aggie Football (“This is our year! We’re going all the way!”)

What did you do prior to joining Mays?
I served as Associate Director of Graduate Student Services at the Texas A&M Career Center from October 2012 to January 2018. I assisted Masters and Doctoral students in all majors (!!) in learning how to network, apply for jobs, interview to impress, and negotiate salary.

What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about helping students at times of transition in their life. During my time working at Texas A&M’s Career Center, it was exciting to help students transition from school to professional work. Now, as an admissions recruiter for our Full-Time MBA program, I’m doing the exact opposite: helping students transition from professional work back to being a full-time student.

What is something about you that few people know?
My first job in high school was as a clog-dance teacher. I also travelled to dance competitions as a competitive clog dancer. My mom probably still has the trophies somewhere.

Joanne Byrne, Program Coordinator

Joanne advises Full-Time MBA students on financial aid options, which include scholarships, fellowships, and student loans. You’ll interact with Joanne as you go through the admissions process for our Full-Time MBA program. Once you’re on campus, you may still see her in the office or at special events.

What are you passionate about?
I love to encourage people to achieve their goals. The best thing about my job is that moment when students realize they can achieve their dreams with help from financial aid.

What did you do prior to joining Mays?
I worked in the banking industry for over 19 years. I then joined Texas A&M’s Scholarship and Financial Aid Department, where I worked for nine years before joining Mays.

What is your superpower in life?
I am always looking for the positive!

What do you love to do in your spare time?
I enjoy being outdoors, whether I’m running, hunting, or watching football. I also enjoy artistic hobbies like theatre, painting, and DIY projects, but spending time with my family in Shiner is always my go-to when I need to slow down and unwind.

What is something about you that few people know?
My husband and I proudly raised two former students – Class of 2014 and Class of 2017.

FULL-TIME MBA OFFICE

Sarah Jaks, Director of the Full-Time MBA Program

Sarah is responsible for the Full-Time MBA’s strategic vision, curriculum and program. You will interact regularly with Sarah throughout your graduate program.

What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about lifelong education, personal growth, and development. I believe that everyone can continue to learn and grow; you just have to find something that interests you!

What did you do prior to joining Mays?
I worked with adult, graduate, and off-campus students in Texas A&M University’s Department for Student Life for eight years. In that role, I also coordinated prevention education on topics such as power-based personal violence.

What do you love to do in your spare time?
I have limited spare time since earning my Ph.D. in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications from Texas A&M as I now teach a course in the College of Ag. When I do have time, I enjoy spending it with family at our home in Shiner where our beagles have free reign.

What is something about you that few people know?
Few people know that I’m a sixth-generation Texan.

What is your superpower in life?
My superpower in life is my ability to make room for dessert, especially cupcakes.

Hailey Welch, Program Coordinator of the Full-Time MBA Program

Hailey serves as the academic advisor for every Full-Time MBA student. She will follow your academic progress and work with you to make sure you’re on track to completing your degree. In addition, she plans programs that will enhance your personal growth and development in areas such as leadership and team dynamics.

Hailey is a Bryan, TX native who was born bleeding maroon. In 2017, she became the first Texas A&M graduate in her family when she earned her B.S. in Health. She completed her Master’s in Higher Education Administration at Texas A&M University in 2022. Her focus and career aspirations surround student success in higher education.

Hailey previously worked as the Administrative Coordinator for the MBA Programs Recruiting & Admissions team for two years before transitioning to the Full-Time MBA Program. Outside of work, Hailey enjoys laid-back nights and weekends with her husband, son, and fur babies.