Advisory Boards

The Academy for Future International Leaders began in 1998 under the vision of the Texas A&M International Board.  The members of the Board saw a need for Texas A&M University students, regardless of academic discipline, to be exposed to current world issues in order to prepare them for a future role as an international leader in their career of choice. 

The Texas A&M International Board is comprised of around 40 external international leaders from a variety of fields (agriculture, business, government, industry, law, medicine, etc.) who meet twice per year to advise both the International Program Office and Texas A&M University’s President in an effort to create and encourage international outreach and collaboration.  Over a decade later, the International Board still plays a very prominent role in the AFIL Program. Each semester, numerous members have volunteered to serve as mentors in the Mentoring Program. Select members also share their expertise as guest speakers in the Academy’s Academic Seminar. The International Board is an invaluable resource contributing to the success of the Academy for Future International Leaders.

The AFIL program is also guided by an Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee members review applications, choose candidates to be interviewed, participate in the interviews, select the final 24 students for the AFIL class, and review the AFIL syllabus and guest speaker selection.  The committee oversees all changes to the Academy and, depending on the recommendation, will forward  requests to the International Board for approval.  AFIL Program Coordinator, Mr. Ben Petty, is a member of the AFIL Advisory Committee.  The Director of the Study Abroad Programs Office and Mr. Petty take part in the interview and selection process and also make suggestions for improvements via the AFIL Advisory Committee.