Susan Smallman ’90 found Texas A&M University’s combination of outstanding academics, military roots and rich traditions the perfect fit for her. Her college experience created a foundation that set her up for professional success in the legal profession in Houston, Texas.
Now wanting to return the favor, she has established the Susan Smallman ’90 Endowed Scholarship to support outstanding College of Arts and Sciences students earning a degree in English or chemistry who have financial need.
“I understand the financial challenges that students face in pursuing higher education,” Smallman said. “And my strong belief is that talent and drive should not be hindered by financial constraints.”
Smallman also believes that scholarships provide the means to help students take advantage of the entirety of their college experience.
“My hope is that the endowment will afford a deserving student the opportunity to focus on their studies, rather than worrying about financial burdens, and ultimately will provide a steppingstone to reaching their professional goals,” Smallman said. “And I trust that the donation will have a positive and lasting impact on the Aggie community, benefiting not only the students but also the entire university.”
Additionally, thanks to a unique opportunity made available by the college in partnership with the Texas A&M Foundation, the gift will be recognized through the naming of a fourth-floor study area in the state-of-the-art Instructional Laboratory and Innovative Learning Building (ILSQ). The nation’s premier laboratory building, which opened on West Campus in 2023, offers an immersive experience that promotes active, group and interdisciplinary learning for more than 15,000 freshmen and sophomores each year.
Key To The Future
Growing up, Smallman's parents impressed upon her the importance of getting an education. Her father, a decorated military officer, completed his career by serving as a professor and directorate of academics at the Army Management Staff College in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, while her mother was a special education English teacher.
“From an early age, they stressed the importance of obtaining a good education as the foundation for success, and that education provides the key to unlocking opportunities to reach financial independence,” Smallman said.
Smallman also quickly found that Texas A&M’s military mindset, along with its challenging academic programs, aligned with her family's values.
“I understood very strongly the values of discipline, dedication and service that Texas A&M instills in its students,” Smallman said. “My father didn’t just preach those disciplines; he lived them and imparted them to me. I remember when my dad and I were touring Texas A&M for the first time, he kept pointing at his watch and impressing upon me the importance of time management.”
Smallman also appreciated Texas A&M’s commitment to upholding its traditions.
“Some of my personal favorites were the ones that define the university’s unique culture, including the world-renowned Corps of Cadets and the school’s military tradition, the Aggie Marching Band, the thrilling football games, Midnight Yell, Bonfire and Silver Taps,” she said, adding that she also enjoyed spending time at the Dixie Chicken and Duddley’s Draw.
Taking Action In The Present
Smallman, who credits her bachelor’s degree in English with creating the foundation for her continued success, always intended to give back to the university by creating a scholarship later in life.
“However, the more I contemplated this notion of giving in the future, the more I realized the importance of taking action in the present and witnessing the impact firsthand,” she said. "I'm immensely grateful that I did not wait to give back to Texas A&M."
Smallman looks forward to seeing the contribution carry forward now and make a difference in the lives of deserving students.
“In the current climate, I've heard that some students don't think that education is as important, and I want to impress upon them that it is,” Smallman said. “Do not think that just because you're someone who doesn't have a lot of economic resources at your disposal that you're limited. Don't think that way; don't put yourself in that box. Always strive. Always be responsible and disciplined and know that if you put in the hard work, you can do great things.”
In the spirit of the 12th Man tradition, Smallman encourages fellow alumni not to sit on the sidelines watching the game pass by, but rather to get in the game and "score points" by giving back.