ASU's Candace Aguirre Appointed to Education Reach for Texans Board

Aguirre to help strengthen support for students with foster care experience

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Candace Aguirre, assistant director of liaison programs and residential cohorts at Angelo State University, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for Education Reach for Texans (ERT). Aguirre will serve a three-year term and help facilitate the sharing of ideas between higher education and child welfare officials to implement campus-based support programs for students who are alumni of foster care.

Why it matters

Aguirre's appointment to the ERT board will help elevate the voices of liaisons supporting students with foster care experience at institutions across Texas. By strengthening support for these liaisons, the goal is to ultimately improve the resources and benefits available to students with foster care backgrounds, removing barriers and empowering their success.

The details

In her new role, Aguirre will help guide ERT's efforts to connect higher education with child welfare initiatives. At ASU, Aguirre oversees the Fostering Ram Success program, which has grown from a single resource into a comprehensive support system with expanded services including scholarships.

  • Aguirre's three-year term on the ERT board begins immediately and will run through December 2028.

The players

Candace Aguirre

Assistant director of liaison programs and residential cohorts at Angelo State University.

Education Reach for Texans (ERT)

A nonprofit organization focused on strengthening support for students with foster care experience in higher education.

Jackie Davis

President of Education Reach for Texans.

Angelo State University (ASU)

A public university in San Angelo, Texas where Aguirre oversees the Fostering Ram Success program.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited about the perspective and experience you bring and look forward to the meaningful contributions you will make in advancing our mission and supporting the students and communities we serve. We appreciate your willingness to contribute your time, insight and leadership to this work.”

— Jackie Davis, President, Education Reach for Texans (sanangelolive.com)

“Becoming part of the Education Reach for Texans board provides an opportunity to elevate the voices of liaisons doing the work on the ground at institutions across the state. By strengthening support for them, we ultimately strengthen support for our students with experience in foster care, ensuring they receive every resource and benefit available.”

— Candace Aguirre, Assistant Director of Liaison Programs and Residential Cohorts, Angelo State University (sanangelolive.com)

“My new role will also help amplify the voices of ASU's students with experience in foster care. Their experiences, their needs and the resources they wish they'd had will guide our efforts at the higher education level. Our goal is to help ensure this work continues for future generations, giving incoming students with experience in foster care access to timely, meaningful support that removes barriers and empowers their success.”

— Candace Aguirre, Assistant Director of Liaison Programs and Residential Cohorts, Angelo State University (sanangelolive.com)

What’s next

Aguirre will begin her three-year term on the ERT board immediately and will work to facilitate greater collaboration between higher education and child welfare initiatives to support students with foster care experience.

The takeaway

Aguirre's appointment to the ERT board underscores the importance of elevating the voices of campus liaisons and students with foster care backgrounds to ensure they receive the resources and support needed to succeed in higher education. Her work will help strengthen these critical programs for current and future generations of students.