Ashlynn Rutherford Joins Texas A&M Innovation as Program Coordinator
Texas A&M Innovation is excited to welcome Ashlynn Rutherford as Program Coordinator following her graduation in Summer 2025. A former student media assistant, Rutherford is a 2025 graduate in Communications with a minor in Journalism from Texas A&M University, and now supports the team through event planning, outreach, and program coordination.
“Starting in this office as a student worker has been one of the most valuable parts of my journey. Joining TI as a Program Coordinator feels like a full-circle moment,” Rutherford shared.
Her transition from student employee to full-time professional highlights Texas A&M Innovation’s commitment to building a strong student pipeline and retaining top talent within the A&M community.
Rutherford, a 2025 graduate in Communication with a minor in Journalism from Texas A&M University, now supports the Innovation team through event planning, outreach initiatives, and program coordination—continuing the work she was first introduced to as a student employee.
“Starting in this office as a student worker has been one of the most valuable parts of my journey. It allowed me to see different sides of the organization and truly understand the mission of the Texas A&M Innovation Office,” Rutherford said.
Her transition from student employee to full-time professional reflects Texas A&M Innovation’s deep commitment to cultivating, mentoring, and retaining top talent within The Texas A&M University System. Rutherford’s experience demonstrates how meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities during a student’s academic career can shape long-term professional growth.
“I never expected to return to College Station after graduation, but the opportunity to grow within a place that shaped me was something I couldn’t pass up,” she said.
Rutherford also emphasized the broader transformation happening across the region and the role that community plays in retaining young professionals.
“I really believe Texas A&M and Bryan–College Station are evolving into a community that not only supports students while they’re here but also inspires them to come back and contribute,” Rutherford said.
During her time as a student media assistant, Rutherford supported digital storytelling, marketing initiatives, and strategic communications for Innovation programs and events —building a strong professional foundation that prepared her to step seamlessly into her current role.
“As a student worker, I learned the importance of workplace community, that hard work creates real opportunities, and that it’s worth stepping into roles even when you aren’t sure you fit yet,” she said.
Now, as a Program Coordinator, Rutherford plays a key role in helping advance Texas A&M Innovation’s mission of promoting entrepreneurship, commercialization, and industry collaboration across Texas and beyond.
“Joining TI as a Program Coordinator feels like a full-circle moment, and I’m grateful to continue growing in a place that invested in me from the start,” Rutherford said.
Texas A&M Innovation continues to prioritize experiential learning by providing students with real-world opportunities across communications, marketing, program support, and entrepreneurship. These experiences not only strengthen the innovation ecosystem but also create meaningful career pathways for graduates who are ready to contribute immediately upon entering the workforce.
Rutherford’s hire reflects the broader vision of Texas A&M Innovation to build a sustainable pipeline of talent, retain exceptional graduates, and grow the next generation of innovation leaders right here at Texas A&M.
