Celebrating 15 years - Rawls College Advisory Council

Celebrating Rawls College Advisory Council

Established in 2001

Mission

The establishment in 2001 of an external board of business leaders representing many industries was one of the first initiatives of former Dean Allen T. McInnes’ tenure. Members over the years have represented family-owned operations, large corporations and entrepreneurial endeavors in many industries, including accounting, banking, ecommerce, construction, energy, investments, retail, real estate development, telecommunications and venture capitalism.

The mission of the Rawls College Advisory Council is to improve the image and reputation of the college through professional and financial assistance, with the goal of advancing the students’ learning experience and enhancing the quality of teaching and faculty research.

Advisory Council New Building Tour - 2012

Notable Accomplishments Over the years, the Rawls Advisory Council has committed their expertise, influence and financial support to advance the college’s effort to become a nationally recognized business school. The administration, faculty, staff, students and alumni wish to recognize and honor all of the individuals who have served on the Rawls Advisory Council over the past fifteen years. A snapshot of accomplishments can only highlight the council’s major contributions; it cannot reflect the countless hours these members have devoted to making a difference at the Rawls College of Business.

Established a 21st Century Learning Environment.

The Rawls Advisory Council’s steadfast financial and personal support enabled the college to build a world-class Gold LEED-certified facility that gained national attention and recognition. Opened in 2012, this impressive, state-of-the-art physical structure provides an interactive learning environment for students with physical spaces for students to work on group projects and affords faculty access to innovative teaching technology.

Created a Student Leadership Program.

In order to focus on recruiting high-ability students, the Rawls Advisory Council provided the startup funds needed to launch the Rawls Business Leadership Program in 2013. The Rawls Business Leadership Program serves as a mechanism for recruiting high-ability students and provides them the opportunity to gain invaluable leadership skills.

Hosted Interactive Student/Alumni Events to Enhance Learning.

Mike Gayler, Guest Speaker - 2014

Real-world insight from industry leaders is an integral component of the Rawls College learning experience. The Rawls Advisory Council works closely with the college to coordinate industry panels, classroom lectures and other types of forums that afford students the opportunity to gain insight into industry trends and best practices in business.

Provided Guidance for Enhanced Curriculum.

The Rawls Advisory Council’s input into program curriculum resulted in an enhanced and expanded Real Estate Program, a very successful Energy Commerce Program and an expanding Entrepreneurship Program.

Jerry Rawls Visit - 2015

Mentored Students and Student Organizations.

Increased Admissions Standards.

Successful business professionals and industry studies highlight the importance of identifying mentors and establishing professional networks. Rawls Advisory Council members serve as mentors to students in the Rawls Business Leadership Program, as well as mentors to student organizations.

In an effort to improve the recruitment and retention of quality students, the Rawls Advisory Council established a committee in 2007 to review admission standards, resulting in a rise in the GPA for Rawls College admittance from 2.5 ten years ago to 2.75 today. This action supported the college’s initiative to improve the academic experience which ultimately strengthens the college’s reputation.

Industry Panels - 2016

Supported the Creation of Dedicated Career Services.

Greg Hall - Recruitment Video - 2016

Participated in Scholarship Events and the Rawls Raiders Alumni Network.

Rawls Advisory Council members have been instrumental in establishing and growing scholarship events in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, to provide scholarship funds for Rawls students. Members also played an integral role in the launch of the Rawls Raiders Alumni Network (RRAN) and continue to actively participate and support RRAN chapters in their respective community.

With the support of the Rawls Advisory Council, the Rawls College opened the Career Management Center in 2003 to provide dedicated career preparation services to Rawls students. These efforts have resulted in graduate job placement rates that remain well above the national average. In addition to recruiting Rawls graduates, Rawls Advisory Council members actively participate in mock interviews and panel discussions.

Provided a Faculty Award Endowment.

The Rawls Advisory Council provided matching funds to establish the Carl and Linda Stem Faculty Award Endowment, which granted faculty recipients the financial resources needed to engage in and publish nationally recognized research in business fields. Dr. Shelby Hunt was the first award recipient.

Advisory Council Chairs

Ken Burgess

Randy Golden

Mark Johnson

J. Michael Lewis

CEO FirstCapital Bank of Texas 1978, B.B.A. in Accounting 2002-2005

Founder and President Golden Beverage Solutions 1977, B.B.A. in Management 2005-2007

Chairman Texas Capital Bank 1968, B.B.A. in Finance 2007-2010

Owner Wellspring Royalties, LTD. 1975, MBA; 1972, B.B.A. in Finance 2010-2012

Lynn Alexander

Joel Reese

Don Sinclair

Managing Director Kelso & Company 1986, B.B.A. in Finance 2012-2014

Partner Reese Gordon Marketos 1993, J.D.; 1990, B.B.A. in Finance 2014-2016

CEO & President Western Gas Partners, L.P. 1980, B.B.A. in Management 2016-2018

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