Gail Sutton
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Gail Sutton is the 2007-2008 Chair of the Parent's Council for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She is also the Assistant Director of Administrative Operations for the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies and the Center for Coastal Studies. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University and is currently working to complete her master’s degree in mariculture, focusing on the study of the economic viability of mariculture in the United States.
Gail was born and raised in the Peruvian Andes, where only certain groups of persons were afforded the opportunity to attend school. Her experiences in Peru and with the public education system in the United States have had a tremendous impact on Gail. They ingrained in her a drive to learn and to secure for others the opportunity to learn and develop as well. Gail has often stated, “Education is the best equalizer; any child has the opportunity to achieve his or her dreams given supportive parents and teachers.”
Gail has been affiliated with the University for over twenty years: she is an alumnus, a student, a staff member and, most important, she is a proud parent of an A&M-CC student. Accordingly, she is well aware that the University is state-assisted, not state-supported, and for that reason the University can excel when donors give generously and are involved with the student body.
Gail’s personal qualifications mirror the qualifications of many parents who are dedicated to the education of youths. Gail previously worked in the local banking industry as a loan officer. She believed that her work to place families in homes and to allow individuals to own their own businesses was a worthwhile endeavor. Gail once stated, “The American dream is not a myth; it’s not rare either. The dream manifests itself every time a person acquires more controls over their own lives, every time they find another way to provide for the ones they love or take one more step towards being content.” Additionally, she has devoted countless hours to organizations such as the March of Dimes, the United Way, and Junior Achievement.
Gail is uniquely qualified to represent parents the University. Because she is a cancer survivor, she has accomplished many of her achievements as she went in and out of cancer therapy since 1993. Consequently, her goal to learn and to ensure others obtain their dreams is not a transient wish—it is a passionate and personal mandate.
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