History of TxGAP

TxGAP’s Beginnings

The Texas Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (TxGAP) was founded in 2010 as the Texas chapter and affiliate of the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (NAGAP).

The founding members of TxGAP, which include Philip Guerrero of UT Austin, Dana Mordecai of UNT, Katherine Meyer of Texas A&M, and David Pittman of Abilene Christian, sought to bring Texas’ GEM professionals together in a more accessible way - to share information, pool resources, and learn from each other.

“After going to NAGAP for several years and seeing that there were groups for The Southeast, New York, and others, I thought to myself, we need to have one in Texas,” Guerrero shared. “While I was mulling it over, David Pittman at Abilene Christian emailed me and others, saying ‘Let’s get a chapter set up,’ and that’s what we did.”

TxGAP began in earnest by fall 2010, with Pittman as President, Guerrero as Vice President, Meyer as secretary, and Mordecai as chair of Summer Institute.

“I wouldn't have thought it possible, but David was a real juggernaut,” added Guerrero.

The Rise of Summer Institute

Summer Institute (SI) is a TxGAP tradition going back to the earliest days, beginning in summer 2011.

For those who cannot get to NAGAP each year, the Summer Institute serves as professional development, gives networking opportunities, and promotes GEM education in the state of Texas.

“It’s really a mini-conference with the goal of bringing professionals in Higher Education together,” said Heather Miller, past chairperson of the Summer Institute. 

Presentations from Texas GEM professionals are key to the success of SI, and all are welcome and encouraged to submit proposals to present.

“Everyone, from the newest GEM professional to the most seasoned, has experience to be shared at Summer Institute,” Mordecai said. “Even if you started in your role two weeks ago, you have something to bring - from onboarding best practices to transitioning into a new job.”

The Future of TxGAP

TxGAP counts on its members to continue its mission. 

“GEM can be a rewarding and exciting career path,” said Miller. “TxGAP can complement and enhance this path with professional development opportunities and community. We hope to see people continue to want to serve TxGAP and our members.”

“Reach out, ask questions, find out how you can get involved,” advises Mordecai. “There has been a lot of interest from new professionals starting in GEM, and I hope this excitement in building a community continues.”

The heart of what TxGAP provides, Mordecai added, is community.

“For as big as Texas is, we have people with a lot of heart and experience who want to come together and connect,” she said. “So, share your testimony with people new to the field, and be a mentor. This is the most important thing for TxGAP and our community.”