From the Board President: Coming Home

BY Arleas Upton Kea in July | Aug 2025 on June 26, 2025
Arleas on the Lawn
Kea on a recent trip to campus.

No matter where I go or who I meet, I never forget where I came from: Schulenburg, Texas—population 2,633. Even after rising through the ranks as the chief operating officer and deputy general counsel at the FDIC in Washington, D.C., where I assisted the federal government in navigating both the savings and loan crisis of the 1980s and the financial crisis of 2007, my connections to the University and the state of Texas remained as strong as ever. That’s why, when I received the call on Easter weekend in 2024 with news that the Texas Exes Board of Directors had nominated me to serve as president, I felt truly privileged.  

To be chosen to lead our alumni association and serve the University in this way is one of the greatest honors of my life. I’ve always cherished my two degrees from The University of Texas. My years on the Forty Acres weren’t always easy, but they changed my life. I arrived as a young woman navigating a world far bigger than I’d ever known, and I left prepared to meet many important challenges head-on.  

Now, stepping into this role is a full-circle moment—a chance to give back to the place that gave me so much.  

The Texas Exes, much like our alma mater, has a tradition of excellence and purpose. In the year ahead, I’m committed to opening our doors even wider. I want to welcome more Longhorns back into the fold, especially those who may have lost touch over the years. Whether it’s through giving their time, sharing our posts on social media, or joining as Life Members, every form of engagement is valuable.  

I’m fortunate to be working alongside great partners. Most notably, our interim president, Jim Davis, BA ’96, Life Member, has been a dynamic and steady force since joining the University in 2018. We are in excellent hands. And I’m thrilled to work with our new CEO of the Texas Exes, Robert W. Jones, BBA ’87, Life Member. I served on the search committee that selected Robert, and I have every confidence in his passion, talent, and vision. (You can read more about Robert in “Taking the Reins.")

Even as the world around us changes, one thing remains constant: the tradition of Texas Exes giving back. Though we serve in different ways—from leading the University to supporting it through the alumni association—President Davis, Robert, I, and many others are all Longhorns at heart, just like you.  

Years ago, many of us left home and found another. Today, I consider it one of the highest callings of my life to help others find their way back to our great University.    

Hook ’em, 

Arleas Upton Kea, BA ’79, JD ’82, Life Member  

President & Chair, Texas Exes Board of Directors  

2020 Distinguished Alumna