Emily Hord

Regent Michael J. Plank ’83 graduated with a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M. He was a member of Squadron 11, served on 3rd Group Staff, and was President of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society. Plank is Chairman/CEO of The Plank Companies, National Property Holdings, Rail Logix, and Speed Shore Corporation and was a recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He received the College of Engineering’s Distinguished Alumni Award, was inducted into the ME Department’s Academy of Distinguished Graduates, and was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M. Plank was appointed as a Regent of the Texas A&M System by Governor Abbott in 2019. The Susan & Michael J. Plank Leadership Learning Center and Plank Bridge in Aggie Park are both named in their honor based upon their generous support of the Corps and Texas A&M. Plank is a member of the CCA's Hollingsworth 1876 Society.

Wade Seidel ’73 earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M University and graduated summa cum laude and as a distinguished military graduate. Seidel was a member of company B-2, on Corps Staff, served as Deputy Corps Commander, and was a Ross Volunteer. He also was elected as a student senator and served on the Memorial Student Center council. Upon graduation, Seidel was commissioned in the United States Army where he was a US Army Airborne School graduate. He then co-founded the accounting firm of Seidel Schroeder and served as managing partner for 38 years. Seidel served on Brenham’s Trinity Medical Center Hospital board; the Brenham Economic Development Foundation board, and the Hospice Brazos Valley board. He is a 25-year member of the Corps of Cadets Association where he serves as a board member. He is married to his wife Susie, and they have two Aggie children and seven granddaughters.

COL James “Jim” G. Ivey ’73 graduated with a BS in building construction from Texas A&M and an MBA from the University of Houston and is a graduate of the Army Command and Staff College and the Duke University Advanced Management Program. Ivey was a member of Company L-1, a Ross Volunteer, and served on the 5th Battalion Staff as well as Town Hall and SCONA. He worked for 40 plus years in the energy industry, ultimately serving as CEO for J2R Energy, Pintail Oil and Gas, and Milagro Exploration. Ivey also had a 30-year career in the Army Reserve retiring as a COL. His service included a brigade command. His major awards included the Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, and the de Fleury Medal. Ivey is a member of the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association and the Ross Volunteer Association.

Chancellor John Sharp ’72 earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University and a master’s in public administration from Texas State University. He is a distinguished alumnus from both universities. Sharp was a member of Squadron 6, on Corps Staff, and a member of the 1972 rugby team. He also was elected sophomore class president, student life chairman, Muster chairman, and student body president. Upon graduation, Sharp was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve. Sharp served more than three decades as a state legislator, senator, railroad commissioner, and comptroller before becoming a partner at Ryan & Company. He became Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System in 2011. Sharp is a member of the CCA’s Hollingsworth 1876 Society. Sharp is married to Diana (Atchison) Sharp; they exchanged vows on May 5, 2023. Between them, they have five adult children and six grandchildren.