Edited and revised by Lesley Walton

The first session of the September 22, 2026, forum, “Security and Prosperity in North America: Advancing Texas-Mexico Commerce and Cooperation,” examined the strategic importance of the Texas-Mexico relationship to the sustained economic growth of both regions. The discussion centered on the role of water resources, trade infrastructure, financing, and academic institutions in fostering mutually beneficial economic ties. This session was moderated by Larry Rubin, a Mexican American businessman and President of the American Society of Mexico. Rubin is a key leader in U.S.-Mexico relations, holding leadership roles in multiple U.S. companies and organizations. He was accompanied by three panelists: John Beckham, Managing Director of the North American Development Bank; Alberto Gomez Alcala, Head of Institutional Affairs at Banamex–Citigroup Financial Group; and Rabi Mohtar, a Professor of Biological & Agricultural Engineering and Civil & Environmental Engineering and a Senior Advisor for Resource Nexus at Texas A&M Energy Institute.

Discussion focused on the evolution of Mexico’s trade from its agricultural foundations into a diversified, high-volume trade partnership with Texas. The panelists highlighted that Texas and Mexico historically developed strong agricultural economies that established the foundation for their current trade relationship. Continued cross-border commerce has supported broader economic development, including Mexico’s transition from a primarily agricultural economy to a major manufacturing center and an emerging global leader in electronics manufacturing. Gomez Alcala brought his expertise on Mexico’s position as a leading U.S. trade partner as the region and the world move deeper into electronics, artificial intelligence, and data centers. Since Texas shares 1,200 miles of border with four Mexican states, its geographic position makes Texas a critical component of the bilateral supply chain, manufacturing network, and trade infrastructure. In fact, Texas accounts for approximately $300 billion of total U.S.-Mexico trade. This strong relationship between Texas and Mexico has helped foster an environment that supports continued economic growth and prosperity in both regions.

The session also focused on the similarities between the two regions and the mutual benefits of advancing water efficiency and trade infrastructure financing. Beckham provided insight into the financing of trade infrastructure along the U.S.-Mexico border, while Mohtar grounded the conversation in the shared challenges facing both countries related to water availability and conservation. Overall, the panelists emphasized the need for stronger leadership in the border region. Texas and Mexico’s border states have an opportunity to insulate cross-border relationships from political tensions in Washington, D.C. and Mexico City while strengthening trust, water conservation efforts, and supply chain infrastructure. Meaningful conversations among federal, state, and local governments, supported by academic analysis, are key to strengthening the Texas-Mexico economic relationship.

The Mosbacher Institute held this event in an effort to advance conversations and cooperation in the Texas-Mexico relationship. This first session helped set the stage for the rest of the event by integrating public, private, and academic voices into the discussion. The panelists’ knowledge represented a deep understanding of where this trade relationship began, its current state, and how future-focused development can bring prosperity and solutions to both regions.

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COLLEGE STATION, TX (September 30, 2026) – A new Mosbacher Institute research study by recent Bush School of Government & Public Service graduate Emma Grace Thomas examines the rapid expansion of dual-credit enrollment in Texas before and after the implementation of House Bill 8 and the Building a Talent Strong Texas plan. Thomas was the 2026 recipient of the Texas Lyceum Fellowship, and she presented her findings at the Texas Lyceum’s annual event last week. Her analysis finds that dual-credit enrollment grew from 152,569 students in 2016 to 249,328 in 2024, a 63% increase, with more than half of the total growth occurring between 2022 and 2024. Growth was particularly pronounced at public community and technical colleges, and enrollment increased across every racial and ethnic group examined.

Thomas’ research highlights the growing role of dual credit in connecting Texas high school students with postsecondary education and workforce opportunities. While the study cannot establish that HB 8 or the Building a Talent Strong Texas plan caused the enrollment growth, the findings provide an early look at how dual-credit participation is changing in Texas under the new policy environment. The study recommends sustained and predictable funding, stronger coordination between high schools and colleges, and intentional pathways that connect dual-credit coursework to credentials and high-demand career fields. As Thomas begins her career following her graduation from the Bush School, her research offers timely insight into how Texas can build on the rapid expansion of dual-credit opportunities to better connect students with college and career pathways.

The Takeaway is a publication of the Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy at the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University.

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The future of the Texas-Mexico economic relationship took center stage at Texas A&M University Tuesday as business leaders, policymakers, academics, and experts from across North America gathered for a day of conversation about how the two neighbors can strengthen trade and cooperation while addressing shared challenges.

The full day event, “Security and Prosperity in North America: Advancing Texas-Mexico Commerce and Cooperation,” was hosted by the Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. The daytime forum featured 19 speakers, moderators, and panelists representing a range of industries and areas of expertise, including leaders from Banco Nacional de Mexico, BlackRock, Dell Technologies, 44 Farms, Gruma/Mission Foods, the North American Development Bank, and Sempra. The goal was to bring decision-makers from both sides of the border together for practical conversations about issues that matter deeply to Texas and Mexico.

The morning began with a warm Texas A&M welcome from University President Susan Ballabina, Bush School Dean John B. Sherman, and Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar. Chancellor Hegar drew on his time as Comptroller of the State of Texas to share perspective on the significant economic ties between Texas and Mexico, emphasizing that trade is not only an economic engine but also a force that connects businesses, communities and people. The presence of these university leaders demonstrates Texas A&M’s commitment to advancing conversations around Texas’ economic and strategic relationship with Mexico.

The daytime forum consisted of five sessions exploring the many ways Texas and Mexico are connected, from trade and agriculture to energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and the rapidly evolving North American economy. Throughout the day, participants examined both the strength of the relationship and the opportunities to build on it, with conversations focused on shared economic interests, regional resilience, and the importance of continued cooperation.

A common thread throughout the day was the increasingly interconnected nature of the Texas-Mexico relationship. Participants considered the role of cross-border trade and investment in strengthening North American supply chains, as well as the shared challenges facing agriculture, energy, water, and infrastructure. The forum brought together perspectives from the public and private sectors as well as academia, creating an opportunity for participants to consider these issues from multiple angles. The role of universities in supporting research, developing the workforce, and fostering cross-border partnerships was also an important part of the conversation.

After the forum, the discussion continued into the evening with Conversations in Public Policy, featuring Texas Secretary of State Robert S. Howden, who delivered remarks before participating in a Q&A moderated by Visiting Professor Clifford Young. The event marked Howden’s first visit to the Brazos Valley since his appointment as Texas’ 116th Secretary of State in July. His appearance extended the day’s focus on Texas-Mexico relations and provided an opportunity to continue the conversation about the issues shaping the region.

Together, the day’s events brought leaders from across Texas and Mexico to Texas A&M for meaningful dialogue about the region’s future. The event reinforced the value of bringing diverse perspectives to the same table and showcased the role Texas A&M plays in creating opportunities for continued conversation, collaboration, and partnership between Texas and Mexico.

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A new study published in Journal of Risk Research sheds a light on the role of trust in expert scientists in public evaluations of health risks from exposure to environmental hazards. The study by ISTPP researchers Rotem Dvir and Xinsheng Liu uses national survey data to explore how trust in scientists to provide unbiased and useful information shapes individuals’ environmental risk perceptions.

The researchers argue that while trust in government institutions or trust in other members of society are common factors in the analysis of risk perceptions, the level of trust in expert scientists to provide unbiased information and relevant policy recommendations is under-explored. They posit that this factor is essential as most people lack the required knowledge on the risks of pollution-type hazards. As such, trust in scientists serve as important cue and helps people form clearer evaluations of the health risks associated with such hazards. The empirical analysis demonstrates that trust in experts is a powerful explanatory factor of individuals’ assessments of the health risks from potential exposure to pollution-type hazards. Based on these results, the authors suggest that increasing public trust in scientists can improve people’s understanding and awareness of the possible health ramifications from a set of environmental hazards that are relatively less common and could result from human intervention.

Study link: https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2026.2722625

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Committed to preparing exceptional public servants for a rapidly changing world, Maria Escobar-Lemmon, Ph.D., is looking forward to expanding and enhancing students’ educational experiences as the new academic director for Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service-Washington DC Teaching Site.

Having moved to the D.C. area during the summer, Escobar-Lemmon is still acclimating to the Bush School DC campus and its community. In her new role, she will be responsible for the academic programs and faculty development. The tenured professor will also teach the foundational research methods course, allowing her to connect academically with students and pursue her own research agenda, which primarily focuses on Latin American politics.

During her 26-year career at Texas A&M, Escobar-Lemmon held varied administrative roles in Texas A&M’s former College of Liberal Arts and the Bush School. Those experiences as well as the connections she made, will inform her work to take the Bush School to the next level academically. “I want to make sure that our students are well-positioned and that we set them up for success,” she said. “Students see the first professional step, but their career often unfolds in ways that they can’t imagine. We need to make sure that our students are broadly trained and also understand the importance of becoming lifelong learners and critical thinkers.”

To that end, Escobar-Lemmon is encouraging students to take full advantage of the campus’s offerings. “You get out of your graduate program what you put in. There’s something valuable in every class. Moreover, the extras, such as the opportunity to routinely interact with our guest speakers, are unparallel.” she said, adding that Bush School students also can learn from their classmates, many of whom bring significant professional experiences to the classroom. “I’d encourage students to have random conversations with people; you may learn something or be a resource for others. Graduate school is hard and challenging, but you get through it together.”

Escobar-Lemmon’s new role also serves as an extension of her own professional dreams, which were fostered as an undergraduate student studying foreign service at nearby Georgetown University. “I went to college with a bunch of people who were deeply interested in political issues and what was happening in the world. They deeply believed they could go out and make a difference in numerous of ways,” she said. “Now I have the opportunity to use my experience in faculty and student development, academic degree and certification development, and research to do some very new and very different things that will help shape the next generation of students who want to change the world. Everybody deserves good public servants, from the national to the local level. We owe it to the future to train those students.”

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On September 19th, the Bush School—all three departments—is bringing together its vibrant community of Former Students, faculty, and staff for a pregame tailgate before the Texas A&M game against Kentucky. This special event promises delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a lively atmosphere fueled by Aggie and Bush School pride. It’s a perfect chance to reconnect, celebrate, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes the Bush School unique as well as connect with current faculty and other Former Students. Whether you’re coming solo or bringing family members, everyone is encouraged to join in the festivities.

To help us plan and keep the event exclusive to our Bush School community, please RSVP at https://tamu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1X37rM2zjAoblmm and let us know how many guests will be attending. Kindly note that this invitation is reserved for Former Students, faculty, and staff only. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Joy Monroe of the Bush School or POLSConnect@tamu.edu. Gig ’em and BTHO Kentucky!

Former Students are encouraged to follow the department’s LinkedIn and Instagram pages and subscribe to the POLSConnect newsletter for additional details and future event announcements.

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This year, more than 20 students represented the Bush School and Texas A&M across Europe. Beyond the academics, the Academy gives students a practical look at the career paths open to political science graduates. Hands-on learning helps them build professional skills, grow their networks, and explore opportunities in international organizations, public service, and advocacy.

Faculty leader Dr. Todd Kent points to the program’s lasting impact: “For over 25 years, the Summer European Academy has given students an immersive European learning experience. Students engage with the culture and interact with policymakers from NATO, the European Union, and national governments across the continent.”

For Texas A&M students, the Academy is a chance to forge international connections, gain real-world expertise, and bring new perspectives back to their studies and future careers in the United States. Many former students point to the program as the moment they developed a deeper appreciation for other cultures and a broader view of global policy—an experience that has since led several into careers in the foreign service and beyond.

The Bush School extends its sincere gratitude to Gene and Donna Kornegay for more than 20 years of financial support of the European Study Abroad Program through the Mary Anne and J.W. Kornegay Scholarship. Their steadfast support has provided undergraduate students with invaluable international exposure, enhanced their education, and broadened their perspectives while preparing them to become effective global leaders.  

To learn more about impactful ways to invest in the future of our nation through faculty-led study abroad programs, please contact Megan Alvear, Texas A&M Foundation Assistant Director of Development at Malvear@txamfoundation.com and 979-845-8161.

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Webb is a distinguished scholar in political methodology and international relations, currently teaching at the University of Kansas and author of A Practical Guide to Time Series Analysis (Cambridge University Press). Known for his expertise in advanced statistics and his collaborative approach to research, Webb’s work has appeared in premier journals including Political Analysis and the American Journal of Political Science. He has taught, by invitation, at the distinguished ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods at the University of Michigan each summer for more than a decade.

But Webb thinks of himself as a scholar second—and an Aggie first. His connection to Texas A&M runs deep—both of his parents earned advanced degrees from Aggieland, and his earliest memories unfold across the university’s horse center, where he lived for four years as a child. After his family moved to Kansas when he was in elementary school, he remembers cheering for Texas A&M every Thanksgiving against t.u. and wondering why other kids weren’t following the game. When it came time to pursue his doctorate, discovering A&M’s nationally ranked political science program made his choice clear. “Texas A&M was the first place I applied,” he recalls. “When I received my acceptance letter for the PhD program, I knew that’s where I would be attending, regardless of any other offers I received.”

As a graduate student, Webb immersed himself in Texas A&M’s rigorous curriculum, taking semester-long and short courses in regression, time series, experimental design, game theory, and more. Webb remembers being impressed by and grateful for the atmosphere of collegiality that is unique to Texas A&M’s Ph.D. program. Where a lot of other programs are adversarial, especially for funding, Texas A&M encouraged students to work together to build skills and develop knowledge. The collaborative learning environment propelled everyone to new heights—Webb describes how students would share insights and help each other master the material, building relationships that shaped his career. This culture of support, combined with the department’s investment in professional development, enabled Webb to stand out in his field. Today, he teaches advanced methodology and international relations at KU and has become a leading scholar regarding time-series analysis in political science, recently authoring a Cambridge University Press book, A Practical Guide to Time Series Analysis.

Reflecting on his time at Texas A&M, Webb emphasizes how unique the department’s collaborative culture truly is. He credits the 12-month salary, research assistantships, and support for attending international workshops—like the ICPSR Summer Program—for accelerating his intellectual growth and connecting him to networks that shaped his career. “You don’t really understand how special Texas A&M is until you find out what other people’s graduate careers were like,” Webb notes. The department’s emphasis on mentorship and the science of social science, he says, not only launched his career but continues to influence his approach as a teacher and scholar. Webb encourages today’s graduate students to embrace the collaborative spirit and skill development that defined his experience at Aggieland.

In some sense, graduate students are extraordinarily unique in their ability to share the Aggie spirit in new places. The academic job market is very challenging, and students usually need to be exceptionally open to geographic diversity when considering their professional careers. “I was fortunate that my path brought me close to home in Kansas, though it might just as easily have led to Canada. Wherever I ended up, I was certain to carry the spirit of Aggieland with me.”

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For Crockett, it all began in student government at Texas A&M. College Station’s notorious “no more than four” occupancy rule—and an even stricter “no more than two” standard in certain neighborhoods—made affordable housing near campus difficult for students to secure. Unrelated occupancy laws in College Station date back to 2006, but controversy pushed them into the spotlight in 2021, when new rules limited some neighborhoods to just two unrelated people per home. While the public often sees these ordinances as routine regulations for noise and safety, students felt the effects much more acutely. Crockett recalls “classmates debating which roommate they’d have to kick out, and parents attempting to reassure their kids that the men photographing their driveway were city officials or concerned residents enforcing the ordinance, not stalkers.” As a political science major, Crockett reflected on whether cities should have the power to regulate occupancy based solely on relationship status—a question touching on affordability, discrimination, and property rights. For him, a state-level solution was necessary: and he was ready to fight for it.

This spurred Crockett and fellow students into action, culminating in Senate Bill 1567. The bill, signed into law in 2025 after years of grassroots organizing and coalition-building, prohibits Texas municipalities from restricting residency based on familial ties. Instead, occupancy is now governed by health and safety standards, such as square footage requirements. The law specifically targets cities under 250,000 residents with universities of more than 20,000 students, and does not override rules set by homeowners associations. Its passage stands as a testament to the power of student engagement in shaping state policy.

Crockett seized the opportunity to learn how policy moves from an idea to written law. “It was a crash course in how policy actually gets made. I worked with students, property owners, housing advocates, and legislators to develop the proposal, build support, and answer concerns,” he says. He emphasizes the collaborative nature of legislation: “If I learned one thing, it’s that legislation is never one person’s work; it depends on bringing people with different perspectives around a solution that works—and sometimes that takes countless drafts, three floor amendments, and two committee substitutes.”

Throughout the process, Crockett leaned on Texas A&M political science faculty. He drew from Dr. Dwight Roblyer’s courses in American government, political philosophy, and public policy for strategic frameworks and guiding theory. Crockett also credits Dr. Todd Kent’s directed studies on campaigns for teaching that politics is “ultimately about people. Relationships, motivations, and persuasion can matter as much as or more than a strong policy argument.” He encourages all students to develop their writing and advocacy skills early: “Without them, convincing policymakers becomes impossible.”

Since graduating, Crockett has taken these abilities into a professional role as a policy analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. His advice for current students? “Don’t wait until graduation to apply what you’re learning. Get involved in student government, campaigns, legislative offices, research, or local government. Some of the most valuable lessons come from finding a real problem, doing the research, and trying to solve it. Texas A&M gave me both the foundation and the opportunities, and the experience showed me how much students can accomplish by advocating for ourselves. There’s a misconception that elected officials don’t listen to young people; more often, we simply fail to speak to them.”

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“We’re constantly impressed by the incredible range of accomplishments among our Former Students,” says Department Head Dr. Guy Whitten. “The Hall of Fame gives us a formal opportunity to recognize them and to share their stories and achievements with the next generation of students on campus.” This initiative will shine a spotlight on alumni whose careers and service inspire current students and faculty alike.

More details, including nomination guidelines and the date of the first awards ceremony, will be announced soon on the department’s website and social media platforms. Former Students are encouraged to stay connected by subscribing to POLSConnect (tx.ag/POLSConnectSignup) and following the Department on LinkedIn (tx.ag/TAMUPOLSLinkedIn) and Instagram (tx.ag/TAMUPOLSInstragram) for all the latest updates.

For further information, please contact POLSConnect@tamu.edu.

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