When Belonging Matters Most: Key Takeaways from Guest Speaker, Vicki Dobiyanski, Associate Vice President & Chief of Staff
At our recent Dallas County Aggie Moms Meeting, we had the privilege of hearing from Vicki Dobiyanski ’03, a Texas A&M alum and Associate Vice President & Chief of Staff at Texas A&M University. Vicki shared updates from campus, but more importantly, she reminded us why student support, connection, and belonging matter now more than ever.
A Different Chapter in Student Affairs
Vicki recently stepped into a new role focused on the business and strategic side of Student Affairs, supporting everything from campus services to student wellbeing. While her responsibilities have expanded, her mission remains the same:
“We are here to take care of students as whole people.”
That philosophy is driving major changes at Texas A&M, including the return of University Health Services to Student Affairs, ensuring medical and counseling services are fully integrated with the broader student support network. This shift reinforces a holistic approach to student wellbeing, particularly important during times of high stress.
April on Campus: Stress Is Real
Vicki didn’t sugarcoat the reality of spring semester. April is intense. Finals are approaching quickly, and students are carrying heavy academic, emotional, and social loads. She shared that campus has felt quieter than usual during the day not because students are disengaged, but because many are overwhelmed. Her advice to parents was simple and powerful:
- Encourage your student to check on their friends
- Send encouragement, not pressure
- Remind them they are not alone
“This has been a hard year. We’re seeing it. We’re feeling it.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Changing on Campus
Vicki also shared exciting updates shaping the student experience at Texas A&M:
- Expanded student services on West Campus, where more than 30% of students spend most of their day
- New residence halls planned near White Creek, adding thousands of traditional on‑campus beds for first-year students
- A stronger focus on student experience and access, regardless of where students take classes
These efforts reflect a renewed commitment to students and where they live, learn, and belong.
“I Do This Because Someone Once Took Care of Me”
One of the most moving parts of Vicki’s talk was her personal story. As a freshman in Fall 1999, she arrived at Texas A&M during one of the most traumatic chapters in university history. Amid tragedy and uncertainty, it was Student Affairs professionals who stepped in, cared for students, and helped them heal. That experience shaped her career and calling.
“Forget your process. Forget your procedure. Take care of the person.”
Vicki shared stories of students who struggled, reached out for help, and persisted not because someone fixed everything for them, but because someone believed in them.
What Our Students Need Most Right Now
If there was one message Vicki wanted parents to take home, it was this:
- Belonging matters more than titles
- Connection matters more than status
- One person can make a difference
She encouraged students to call find people who listen, and to pursue what genuinely matters to them.
“I don’t believe everyone needs counseling. Most people need a person.”
And if a student is struggling? Reach out. Ask for help. There are people on campus who truly care.
Getting Involved (Without the Pressure)
Vicki also highlighted tools and opportunities designed to help students connect:
- The Get Involved platform (https://getinvolved.tamu.edu/) helps students discover organizations that fit their interests
- A more intentional Club Crawl experience is planned, giving students time to adjust before committing
- Programs like Fish Camp and expanded Howdy Week activities are designed to build community early
She did emphasize that while FLOs and camps are popular ways to get involved, they are not required to have a successful college experience. There are opportunities for every student to get involved and be successful. She also openly invited students to reach out to her if she could be of assistance (https://studentaffairs.
Final Takeaway for Aggie Moms
Texas A&M is filled with people who love our students like their own. Our role, as parents, is to support, encourage, and remind them that who they are — not just what they do — matters.
“If my child grows up to be half as good as the students I see every day, I’ll be blessed.”
We are grateful to Vicki Dobianski ’03, Associate Vice President & Chief of Staff for her candor, compassion, and unwavering commitment to Aggies — past, present, and future.
