More than 500 high school students stepped onto the campus of Texas A&M University-Central Texas on Friday, March 28 for Warrior Preview Day — an immersive event designed to introduce them to the academic programs, support services, and student culture that define the state’s only upper-division university.
A&M-Central Texas Director of Recruitment and Enrollment Services, Loida Gonzalez Utley, said Warrior Preview Day is a chance for future students to start building relationships with the university.
“Our goal was to raise awareness about the opportunities available in Central Texas—and to strengthen our ties with local ISDs (independent school districts) and community colleges,” Utley said.
Faculty, staff, and volunteers created a hands-on experience tailored to student interests. Faculty led breakout sessions ranging from psychology and mechanical engineering to liberal studies and nursing. Staff and volunteers directed foot traffic, answered questions, and shared tips for navigating campus life.
For attending students, curiosity stretched beyond academics.
“I asked about esports and the game room,” said Josue Mercedes, a sophomore from Lake Belton High School. “They told me I could even start my own esports club, which made me feel like I could really be a part of something here.”
Following campus tours and student conversations, the day formally began with a rotating kickoff session offering a crash course in admissions, financial aid, and campus culture.
“The students probably felt a bit of relief, knowing they could afford college,” said Andrew Woodward, a financial aid coordinator. “Grants, scholarships and funding support at A&M-Central Texas make higher education possible—sometimes even debt-free.”
Many attendees came from Early College High Schools (ECHS) and dual-credit programs, already accumulating substantial college credits and seeking a seamless transition to a bachelor’s degree. Students met with faculty, connected with current students, explored the campus—and snapped photos with Pathfinder, the university’s Warrior mascot.
Students dispersed across three academic buildings for program-specific sessions. Faculty from more than a dozen disciplines presented overviews, answered questions and in several cases, led hands-on demonstrations.
“When we discussed computer networking, I asked how they thought data flows through cables,” said Dr. Piyush Vyas, a Computer Information Systems professor of in the Subhani Department of Computer Information Systems. “Once they linked it to the electrical current, the concept clicked—and they stayed engaged.”
Current students—including peer mentors and organization leaders—helped bring the day to life by sharing their own journeys. Jasel Rodriguez, a senior mathematics major and president of Warriors Against Sexual Assault, recalled his first experience on campus.
“Warrior Preview Day is a lot more engaging than my first time on campus for orientation,” he said. “It’s less formal and a lot more people showed up.”
For many attendees, it was the event’s informal, welcoming atmosphere that stood out most.
“Students don’t have to know exactly where they’re headed,” said Johnny Williamson, an art teacher at Killeen Early College High School (ECHS). “Sometimes, one thing a speaker says can spark an interest they never saw coming.”
Heather Lyle, a counselor at Leander ECHS, agreed.
“Many of our students already know about the larger universities,” she said, “but not always what’s available more locally to them. It’s valuable for them to hear directly from the school about what it offers.”
For several students, that proximity and personalization were exactly what made A&M-Central Texas stand out.
“At my last university, my classes sometimes had up to 80 students,” said Jayme Acevedo, a retired Army veteran and history major. “Here, one of my classes had between 6 to 10 students. The professors actually help you—that’s something pleasant I didn’t expect.”
“My favorite part of this university is probably how super family-friendly it is,” said Elezabeth Haggerty, an MBA student, Green to Gold cadet, and active-duty service member since 2016. “My daughter loves all of the family events like Fall Fest and the obstacle course outside. She’s 3.”
Whether it was the school’s Warrior mascot, Pathfinder, posing for selfies or professors pausing for spontaneous Q&As in the hallway, the event was defined by connection and a shared sense of purpose.
“You don’t always get that kind of warm, welcoming, celebratory energy, and our students really felt seen,” said Donald Buckram, an AVID teacher at Copperas Cove High School. “It was a true celebration of students.”
“It makes sense to start the relationship with professors, advisors, and others who can help you at an event like this,” said Dr. Allen Redmon, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “You know there’s a good connection when they smile, relax, and finally exhale.”
For many attendees, Warrior Preview Day marked their first opportunity to explore a local university in person, and to envision what life as a Warrior might actually look like.