Texas Border Business
MCALLEN – The Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen (HECM) has named Samantha Castellanos ’10 as director of student affairs, effective Monday, July 20, 2026. Castellanos, formerly the assistant director of student affairs at the McAllen campus, has been appointed as the inaugural director of student affairs at the HECM. In this role, she will lead efforts to enhance campus resources, oversee student-focused programs and events and foster student engagement.
Prior to joining the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen in 2024, Castellanos spent more than a decade at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she supported students in key positions, including academic advising, degree progress and graduation initiatives. While at Texas A&M, Castellanos has gained a deep understanding of the HECM’s mission and student community and has played an instrumental role in enhancing the student experience through leadership in student engagement, academic support, enrollment initiatives and campus event programs.
As director of student affairs, Castellanos will provide strategic leadership for student services, overseeing programs and initiatives that support recruitment, retention, student engagement, academic success and campus life. She will work closely with university partners, faculty and community stakeholders to ensure students have access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive throughout their academic journey.
“Samantha’s dedication to our students and her extensive knowledge of the Higher Education Center at McAllen make her exceptionally well suited for this leadership role,” said Ernest Aliseda ’88, chief operating officer and associate vice president of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen. “She has consistently demonstrated a passion for student success, collaborative leadership and significant service to our campus community. We are excited to see her expand opportunities for students and strengthen our Aggie experience.”
A Texas A&M University graduate, Castellanos has dedicated her career to advancing student success and fostering meaningful connections between students across the Rio Grande Valley. Throughout her tenure at the Higher Education Center at McAllen, she has earned the respect of colleagues and students alike through her collaborative approach, innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to excellence.
“I am honored to serve as director of student affairs and continue supporting our students and their families,” Castellanos said. “The Higher Education Center at McAllen provides incredible opportunities for students to learn, grow and lead with purpose. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with our dedicated faculty, staff and community partners to elevate the exceptional Aggie experience in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Castellanos graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in technology management in 2011 and earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from Sam Houston State University in 2020. During her tenure, the HECM Student Affairs team has celebrated several accomplishments, including receiving the University Youth Programs’ Good Bull Award for outstanding rule compliance during the 2025 PALM Camp, the university’s annual orientation program for incoming students, and launching the HECM Maroon Ambassadors program, which empowers student leaders to cultivate the Aggie Spirit by exemplifying and promoting Texas A&M’s Core Values.
Information source: Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen (HECM)
