September 5, 2025 Marketing and Communications Update
The fall semester is officially underway, and the energy across campuses is unmistakable...
Howdy,
The fall semester is officially underway, and the energy across campuses is unmistakable. With the launch of our new Brand Platform, Texas A&M University stands more united and purposeful than ever. This spirit is already reflected in every corner of Aggieland — from classrooms to gathering spaces — as we share our story and values in powerful new ways.
During Howdy Week, we connected with countless students whose energy and ambition inspired us. Their positive spirit and eagerness to engage have created an atmosphere of belonging and possibility. Each photo added to our mosaic, every interaction and every shared moment are fueling a wave of enthusiasm and momentum.
We are seeing the impact of these connections already, and it’s clear our success is rooted in the energy and leadership of our students. Your dedication and drive make us a force for good, and we encourage you to keep pushing forward. Every day is a chance to lead with character, shape new stories and build a brighter future.
Let’s keep this excitement strong, celebrate our achievements and show the world what it means to be a force for good.
Content Packages
University Commercial
On Sept. 13, during the Notre Dame football game, Texas A&M’s new university commercial will make its debut! That same day, it will be shared on all university channels.
This commercial is the first in a series of signature stories that bring our new brand platform to life through external creative expression. It has already been previewed by the President’s Cabinet, the Council of Deans and select university leaders — all of whom offered overwhelming praise. To ensure resonance, we also tested the script and video with two independent research firms, analyzing which words and visuals connected most strongly with both external and internal audiences. Results showed branding, engagement and excellence on par with last year’s acclaimed spot — with even higher marks for surprise.
The new commercial, “Together, We Stand As A Force For Good,” will serve as our primary signature spot over the next year, while commercials developed last year will remain part of our portfolio to spotlight other messaging themes as needed. For example, “What Does Texas A&M University Stand For?” emphasizes our values of character, community and connection. In contrast, this new commercial highlights the magnitude and momentum of Texas A&M’s research, education and the impact our former students create around the world. Notably, 61% of the commercial showcases education and research, underscoring our brand equity of real-world, right now.
We invite each of you in this community to engage with the commercial next week. We welcome you to share it from your channels, like it and engage with it.
Following the debut, we will share a detailed content package — including the b-roll, sample social media copy and tips for amplifying Texas A&M’s message — so you can use the asset in your own communications. We appreciate all shares and support in carrying this message forward.
To celebrate together, the spot will also be shown at Midnight Yell and during our home game against Auburn (Sept. 27) — creating moments for our university community (and those visiting) to experience it firsthand.
A special thanks goes to all of our partners who gave their time and assistance in scheduling and preparing this commercial. Its success was only possible through the incredible collaboration that helped us tell this story.
U.S. News & World Report Undergraduate Rankings
As the U.S. News & World Report university rankings approach later this month, we are tentatively planning to release an official news release and social media graphics for the announcement. To help our university community effectively leverage this year’s undergraduate rankings, we want to make sure you are aware that we have customizable rankings templates for you to use. These templates offer pre-approved messaging and adaptable content for social media posts. Our aim is to ensure consistency and ease of use as you highlight our collective success and your program’s achievements. These templates will be accessible on the MarComm site once the embargo has lifted.
Dream School Publication
Texas A&M has been named one of only 75 institutions nationwide recognized as a Dream School in Jeff Selingo’s new book, Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You. This honor reflects Texas A&M’s exceptional value, strong return on investment, hands-on learning opportunities and unparalleled sense of belonging. As the most in-demand university in Texas and one of the largest in the nation, Texas A&M delivers on what matters most to students and families — accessibility, affordability and outcomes — proving why generations of Aggies proudly call it their dream school.
More information will be provided to MarComm community leads after Sept. 9 on how to use this recognition in your communications.
Community Resources Available To You
Design Counsel
Design Counsel is a collaborative space for Texas A&M’s visual storytellers to connect, share ideas and shape the future of creativity and collaboration across the university. Each meeting explores a different topic — ranging from the Brand Platform to events, activations, trademarks and licensing. Join us for our next monthly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
If you have questions, please contact Melissa Loudermilk at mloudermilk@tamu.edu or via Slack or Teams.
RSVP for Design Counsel Meeting
Aggie UX Open Office Hours
The Division of Marketing and Communications Web team hosts virtual office hours every Thursday from 10-11 a.m. This is a great opportunity to get support with Aggie UX, AUX Cascade theme or any other web-related questions. Drop in for help, guidance or a quick chat about anything related to web or Aggie UX design system tools.
When: Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.
Join Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 995 7531 4621| Passcode: 646167
We look forward to seeing you there! Other practical advice for creating web content, applying best practices and using the Aggie UX design system is available on the MarComm site. Be sure to sign up for Aggie UX-specific communications by joining the Aggie UX email list.
Research Communicators Network
The Divisions of Research and Marketing and Communications co-host a biweekly meeting for communicators to connect, share updates and collaborate around promoting Texas A&M’s research enterprise. These meetings are a valuable opportunity for everyone who attends, and we encourage you to send a representative if you do not have someone already participating from your unit, college or school.
When: Every other Tuesday, 10 a.m.
This informal virtual gathering is open to all communicators supporting research initiatives and researchers themselves. It’s a chance to ask questions, get feedback and align on research messaging across the university.
Contact Tim Doty, Assistant Vice President for National Media and Public Relations, or Rusty Cawley, Director of Research Communications, to be added to the calendar invitation.
Stay Connected
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