Jody Todhunter
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
903.886.5000
903.468.8685 (fax)
[email protected]

Texas A&M University-Commerce recruiters are coming to a school near you!

Don’t hesitate to contact your recruiter if you have a question or need assistance.

Andrew Baxley

College Major: Business Marketing
Hometown: Lawson, MO
Job Title: Admissions Recruiter
Direct Phone: 903.886.5288
Email: [email protected]

Territory: All high schools in Collin, Cooke, Denton, and Grayson Counties.

Where are you from? I grew up in Lawson, Missouri, a small rural community about 60 miles northwest of Kansas City, Missouri. After graduating from college, I decided to move down to Texas!

Where did you go to college? I attended Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri.

What did you study and why that major? I studied business marketing. I had decided on business back in 8th grade because I wanted to someday become a CEO of a corporation. As I progressed through the major, marketing really stood out to me. It was very interesting to me that what you purchase and how you act can be largely influenced by branding.

What are some of your favorite things about Commerce? Commerce is a great place to be if you are looking to grow as both a student and as a person. It is a small community that offers many of the amenities you would see in a larger city while always maintaining that small town charm. While it is easy to find yourself resting in the shades of the bois-d’arc trees, the hustle and bustle of Dallas is but an hour away. No matter what environment best suits you, Commerce is the center of everything!

What is your favorite A&M-Commerce tradition? My favorite tradition would have to be the Pride Walk that occurs during Lion Camp. As a new student, the feeling of walking through the campus with both faculty and staff cheering you on and welcoming you is an awesome experience. It really makes you feel like part of the pride!

What is one fun fact about yourself that students would find interesting? A fun fact about me is that I’m universally known throughout campus as the “Taco Man”. I’m a firm believer in “Taco Tuesday” and wear taco-themed business socks every Tuesday while I eat tacos. If you’re ever in need of a recommendation for tacos, please let me know!

Kourtney Davis

College Major: Political Science
Hometown: Quinlan, TX
Job Title: Admissions Counselor
Direct Phone: 903.886.5112
Email: [email protected]

Territory: Northeast Texas (Bowie, Camp, Cass, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Morris, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, Titus, Upshur and Wood County), Northeast Texas Community College & Paris Junior College.

Where did you go to college? Texas A&M University-Commerce

What did you study and why that major? Political science. I have always been interested in government, politics and what our elected officials are doing. I’m also interested in the powers we as citizens have to initiate change and create a better community for ourselves.

What are some of your favorite things about Commerce? Definitely the community like feel we have on campus. Not only as students but also as professionals, the relationships students are able to make will serve them throughout their education as well as their personal and professional lives. The connections made here will lead you beyond.

What is your favorite A&M-Commerce tradition? The freshman running of the field is my favorite. At the first home football game, freshman students run the football field. It is one of their one of their first chances to feel welcomed and become a part of just one of the things that makes A&M-Commerce so great.

What is one fun fact about yourself that students would find interesting? I AM A FUN FACT PERSON. If you know me, chances are I have told you some type of random information/fact you have never heard before. I have a knack for remembering these things and an interest in learning about them. If I don’t know something, I will ask or research for myself. I’ve learned that fun facts are an ice-breaker or a conversation starter. Did you know that A&M-Commerce has had six different names in its 125+ year history?

Erika Woodruff

College Major: Bachelor of Science Interdisciplinary Studies
Graduate Degree: Master in Higher Education Administration with an emphasis in Counseling
Hometown: Grapevine, Texas
Job Title: Admissions Recruiter
Direct Phone: 903.468.3281
Email: [email protected]

Territory: All high schools south of Dallas County to San Marcos, Texas, including Midlothian, Red Oak, Waxahachie, Joshua, Rio Vista, Cleburne, Venus, Hillsboro, Itasca, Ennis, Ferris, Avalon, Italy, Maypearl, Palmer, Burleson and Alvarado. In my area are also Independent School Districts in Central Texas/Waco including Bosque, McLennan, Limestone, Bell, Milam, Lee, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, Hamilton and Coryell. Last but not least, I also visit with community college transfer students from TSTC Waco and McLennan College.

Where are you from? I was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, but moved to Texas when I was just about two years old, so I guess the saying “ I got here as fast as I could ” is true for me. I lived in Houston, Texas, during my early years in elementary and then made the move to the greatest metroplex, Dallas/Fort Worth, and been here ever since.

Where did you go to college? I attended A&M-Commerce where I obtained my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree.

What did you study and why that major? I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Early Bilingual Education with the purpose of teaching students who are growing up with two languages. Now, obtaining my master’s degree in Higher Education Administration with an emphasis in Counseling allows me to grow my passion TO EMPOWER, EDUCATE, AND MENTOR OUR DIVERSE POPULATIONS.

What are some of your favorite things about Commerce? Commerce is a fairly small town, but I consider that a good characteristic. As a student, I was able to stay away from the fast paced world outside of Commerce and focus on my studies, but when it is time to go out and have a little fun, the city of Greenville is only 15 minutes away and Dallas is 45 minutes away.

What is your favorite A&M-Commerce tradition? My favorite tradition is Blue & Gold Wednesday. I love seeing all of the students and professional staff come together to show some fun school spirit!

What is one fun fact about yourself that students would find interesting?I love to listen to Christmas music all year round (shh… don’t tell anyone).

Joseph Stiles

College Major: Mass Communication-Broadcasting Electronic Media
Hometown: Heath, Texas
Job Title: Admissions Recruiter
Direct Phone: 903.468.3026
Email: [email protected]

Territory: Tarrant County, West Texas, Panhandle and El Paso

Where are you from? Heath, Texas

Where did you go to college? West Texas A&M University

What did you study and why that major? I studied Mass Communication-Broadcasting Electronic Media. I wanted to work for the TV show COPs or be a cameraman for a major sports network.

What are some of your favorite things about Commerce? My favorite thing about Commerce is the school spirit the whole town has for the university. No matter where you turn, you will see a “Go Lions” sign!

What is your favorite A&M-Commerce tradition? My favorite is the tradition surrounding the Book of Knowledge. The rumor is that if you kiss the Book of Knowledge you will graduate on time with a 4.0 GPA.

What is one fun fact about yourself that students would find interesting? I once held the record at my high school for pole vault.

Peggy Borchardt

College Major: Master of Education
Hometown: Cedar Creek Lake, Texas
Job Title: Senior Admissions Counselor
Direct Phone: 903.468.3206
Email: [email protected]

Territory: Dallas County Community College District, Kilgore College, Trinity Valley Community College, Tyler Junior College, out-of-state colleges, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members.

What did you study and why that major? My undergraduate degree was the Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies because I was interested in a career in commercial recreation. I had the pleasure of working in Dallas at a major luxury hotel chain in front office operations and reservations and then at a senior retirement resort community in the activity department. The hotel was the first “computerized” hotel in Dallas. It turned out I had a hidden talent for understanding computers, so the management added new employee computer training to my responsibilities. I returned to school, earned a Master of Education in Technical Education and then taught or administered technology education at technical and community colleges for fourteen years!

What are some of your favorite things about Commerce? Where do I start? It’s the entire package – the food, the friendships, the NCAA Division II sports and all that comes with that, the swimming pool and the climbing wall, the outdoor adventure program, the Starbucks, and all of the resources, clubs, and student organizations available for students to enjoy. Plus, I love the school colors – Blue & Gold!

What is your favorite A&M-Commerce tradition? The Legacy. Alumni always take the time to stop by and say “Hello!” to the admissions recruiters when we are at outreach and recruitment events. They delight us with their stories about their college days and their professors. The best take away is their good memories of “Old ET” and how these college kids are now teachers, artists, engineers, doctors, lawyers, vets, business owners, musicians, scientists, coaches, accountants, social workers, actors, writers, computer professionals, farmers and ranchers, superintendents, managers, paralegals, first responders, astronomers and community leaders. It’s a Great Day to be a Lion!

What is one fun fact about yourself that students would find interesting? My guilty pleasure is ordering the 3-meat plate at Texas barbeque joints and finishing the entire meal – sides and desserts, too! I’ll swim it off tomorrow.

Carlos Ruiz

College Major: Interdisciplinary Studies with Bilingual Certification/Higher Education M.S
Hometown: Sulphur Springs, TX
Job Title: Admissions Recruiter
Direct Phone: 903.468.8755
Email: [email protected]

Territory: All high schools in Dallas and anything in San Antonio and down

Where are you from? I grew up in Sulphur Springs, Texas. It’s a small community where everyone knows each other and is very involved!

Where did you go to college? I attended A&M-Commerce!

What did you study and why that major? I studied interdisciplinary studies with a focus on bilingual education. I wanted to become a teacher and help students! I continued with my education and obtained a master’s degree to continue to help students pursue an education.

What are some of your favorite things about Commerce? Commerce is a town where everyone gets involved, whether it’s attending the college athletic games or serving the community in special projects around town. The town is perfect for students looking to venture out and become leaders among their peers. It’s a great place to meet new people from around the world in a safe and welcoming environment!

What is your favorite A&M-Commerce tradition? My favorite tradition is the running of the field during the first football game! Every new student has the opportunity to run across the football field and cheer on their football team in our very first home game!

What is one fun fact about yourself that students would find interesting? One fun fact about me is that I have watched and re-watched the series “The Office” enough times to challenge my friends to trivia games at restaurants. It is a blessing and a curse to know so much information about the show, but it’s my favorite.