Looking After The First Lady of Texas A&M
Humans of Mays Business School – Business Honors and Supply Chain Management Major Will McBride ’28
The Humans of Mays Business School series highlights excerpts from conversations with exceptional individuals at Mays who make a lasting impact through their leadership, drive, and dedication. Each story brings to life the diverse journeys, challenges, and triumphs that shape the Mays community. By sharing these unique experiences, we aim to inspire personal and professional growth within our halls and share the origin stories of today’s and tomorrow’s business leaders.
Will McBride is a sophomore business honors and supply chain management major from Atlanta, Georgia. As a member of the Corps of Cadets, he serves as the “second leash” handler for Reveille X, the First Lady of Aggieland. Balancing the rigors of a Mays education with the 24/7 responsibility of caring for Texas A&M’s most beloved tradition, Will McBride embodies the dedication and service that define the Aggie Spirit.
At the Heart of Tradition
“Three years ago, I didn’t know anything about the university. Coming from Atlanta, it’s pretty insane to now just be in the deep end of it, and then, at the center of one of Aggieland’s favorite traditions. It’s been absolutely incredible and just a ton of fun.”
“For me, the best part is always walking around with her. Normally someone’s there and they have never seen her, never met her, and you get to make people’s day. You get to meet so many interesting people just by being by her side.”
“She’s super unique. We meet mascots at football games and other events — my buddy held the chicken from South Carolina — but those mascots don’t go to classes. You don’t hear about chickens in classes and Uga doesn’t go to UGA classes. Reveille coming to class, being on campus, and being so present in the university is a defining characteristic of this tradition. It is something that I am proud to be a part of.”
Life on the Leash
“A day in the life is pretty typical, but early. She wakes up with us and does her morning activity at 5:30 AM — sometimes we have to go for a run. Whatever we do in the mornings, she goes with us. She eats breakfast with us and then that’s when the academic day starts. She’ll go to classes, and if there’s a scheduled event, we’ll take her. Then she goes to an evening formation with us and finally sleeps.”
“We work really hard to not be late to class. She’s never caused me to be late, but that is a product of us leaving 45 minutes to an hour early if we’re bringing her, just so we can have that time for people to stop us. If it is getting close to class time, the students understand. We can say, ‘Hey, Rev’s gotta get to class,’ and everyone is always super accommodating.”
“One of the funnier parts of the job is our trips to Texas Roadhouse. We frequent it as a buddy class and they’re always super accommodating. They actually have a booth for her, and she’ll sit in the seat next to us if there’s enough room. She is the one dog that is allowed in Texas Roadhouse.”
The Mays Experience
“She’s really enjoyed the second floor of Wehner, actually. It’s a little bit quieter, and she does enjoy that. She’s taken some naps in classrooms and just has a good time up there. When we walk into a space, normally, it’s a gasp. You hear an audible reaction and everyone’s super excited. In that class, you take photos, but it all settles down before class time.”
“When the professor starts talking, students do a great job with giving that professor respect. That’s been really cool to see because they respect her, and they respect the professors and the traditions. No one wants to be the one that messes it up. Sometimes she barks in class — she is actually pretty barky, and it surprises people how loud she is. It’s the professor’s decision whether or not to let class out. It’s been a pretty even split, so far. I never expect a professor to dismiss class if they’re teaching something complex.”
“During stressful weeks like midterms or finals, the reaction is different. It’s almost like a relief. I’ll hear, ‘I really needed this.’ Knowing that you are helping them just by being there is super fulfilling. Getting to see people’s reactions makes me smile and makes them smile. That’s what it’s all about.”
A Bark of Wisdom
“When Reveille came to Texas A&M, she was about 18 months old, so she had already been trained as a show dog. Each class teaches her a trick, but we don’t have to do any of the heavy, intense work. She already knows how to carry herself.”
“Every moment with her is Aggie-coded. She is what sets that standard.”
“If Rev could give one ‘bark of wisdom’ to Mays students, it would be to find the good in all the moments. There’s always something good; there’s always a silver lining. She’s super optimistic, always happy, and she radiates that joy to other people. I believe that’s what she would tell people to do: find the bright side.”
