Q&A with Trey Henderson ’80
Meet the chair of the 2025 12th Man Foundation Board of Trustees
Why did you choose to attend Texas A&M University?
Both of my parents graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU), so I was actually raised as a Mustang. One of my dad's best friends, Rod Pittman '56, took us to Kyle Field for an Aggie Football game against SMU in the early 70s. Rod was a member of the Corps of Cadets, a Past President of the Aggie Club (now the 12th Man Foundation) and a member of The Association of Former Students' Board of Directors. Rod's son, Lane, and I were best friends and still are to this day. I visited Lane during his freshman year at Texas A&M when he was a manager for the Aggie Football team. A&M's culture, pride and traditions were a perfect fit for me, and I loved everything I experienced at the university.
When did you first get involved with the 12th Man Foundation, and what inspired you to further your involvement over the years?
Travis Dabney was my first contact with the 12th Man Foundation when he was a part of the Major Gifts department. We stayed in contact over time, and I was eventually able to give something that would earn us priority points and allow us to purchase season tickets for athletic events. I credit him for cultivating Brigettee's and my interest in supporting Texas A&M Athletics.
What has solidified your passion for supporting Aggie student-athletes?
What gives me great pride are the student-athletes from my hometown of Lufkin that have come through the athletic program. Having Aggie Football athletes like Donald Muhlbach, Terrence Kiel, Reggie McNeal and Jorvorskie Lane; Aggie Baseball athletes like Gandy and Tyler Stubblefield and Joey Register; Beau Muhlbach in Aggie Basketball; and Grant Ashby, who is currently on the Aggie Track & Field team, make me incredibly proud. I watched all of them grow up in Lufkin and had the opportunity to coach several of them. Watching them excel at the next level is an amazing feeling.
What has been the most rewarding part of serving on the Board of Trustees?
The people — my fellow trustees and their spouses, our amazing staff and their families and the awesome network of 12th Man Foundation donors that continue to show unbelievable support for our student-athletes. Also, getting to know the student-athletes and coaches as individuals, hearing their stories and learning their passions has been exceptionally fulfilling.
What motivates you to serve and further the 12th Man Foundation's mission?
Our mission of funding scholarships, programs and facilities in support of championship athletics drives my desire to serve. I am also very motivated by hearing the personal stories of our student-athletes. They are all so humble and appreciative of what 12th Man Foundation donors help provide for them, and they strive to be champions. I am in awe of each and every one of them.
What legacy do you hope to leave as chair of the 12th Man Foundation Board of Trustees?
I constantly remind myself that this organization is bigger than any one person. This year is not about me or my legacy, but about building upon the foundation that was established many years ago through tremendous leadership and amazing success. Working alongside our staff and trustees, I am committed to advancing our mission and keeping Texas A&M at the forefront of college athletics.