Island University Host Double Retirement Reception to Celebrate Lives Dedicated to Student Success
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi hosted a double retirement reception honoring two longtime employees who dedicated many years of service and commitment to the education of thousands of students. Honorees were Dr. David Billeaux, professor of political science and associate vice-president for Academic Affairs who served 28 years at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, and his wife, Ana Billeaux, program coordinator for the First Islander Scholars’ Academy Program (FISAP) in Center for Academic Student Achievement (CASA), who served the Island University for 10 years.
“I wish you both a long life, health and happiness together,” said Dr. Gerardo Moreno, associate vice president of Academic Affairs at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, as he addressed the couple. “It has not only been my pleasure to know Dave and Ana, but it has been my honor to work alongside them. I want to thank them both for making us better.”
Dr. Billeaux first arrived at A&M-Corpus Christi in September 1990 as assistant professor of political science. He was promoted to full professor in 2000 and held the title of associate vice president of Academic Affairs from 2007-2017. During his time in the classroom, Billeaux taught various courses in American government and political theory and was the Master of Public Administration program coordinator from 1993 through 1996. His commitment to education and hard work allowed him to become chair of the Department of Social Sciences from 1996 to 2004.
“There is no doubt that Dave made an impact at the University,” said Dr. Juan Carlos Huerta, professor of Political Science. “He was the chair during a period when we experienced lots of growing pains as we developed our programs, and Dave’s steady hand and calm leadership was critical during those years.”
Ana Billeaux joined A&M-Corpus Christi in 2008 as an international student advisor and was promoted to director of the Office of International Education (OIE) in 2010. After many years working with OIE supporting and guiding Islander students from around the world, Billeaux became program coordinator for FISAP in CASA.
“Ana has always emitted something special – an inner light that serves as a beacon to those in need,” shared Dr. Noelle Ballmer, director of CASA. “It is this special quality that has always brought unity, collaboration and joy to CASA and to the University.”
At FISAP, Billeaux was committed to giving program participants academic, social and community support to enhance their learning opportunities and improve their ability to persist and graduate. Students often demonstrated their gratefulness to Billeaux by filling her office with gifts and letters of appreciation.
At the reception, held May 4 in the University Center, the Billeaux’s were presented with University tokens of gratitude including coasters, baskets and certificates. In addition, the Island University will recognize Dr. Billeaux with a paver representing his years of service. The paver will be placed between the University Center and the Engineering Building.
