Goolsby Leadership Academy celebrates 20th Anniversary

The Goolsby Leadership Academy celebrated its 20-year anniversary with a dinner and medallion ceremony at the University of Texas at Arlington on April 29, 2024.

The Academy was started in 2003 by John Goolsby, a UTA College of Business alumni, and prominent businessman. The program aims to develop its students into ethical leaders and problem solvers by engaging with professionals and executives in the classroom and real world via internships, exploratory study, and special projects.

Through its 20 years, the Academy has developed 600 students into versatile and innovative leaders, of whom many end up in careers at various companies including Ernst & Young, Lockheed Martin, Fidelity Investments, Berkshire Hathaway and more.

Throughout the night, various speakers explained the great work the program has accomplished in its two-decade history, including John and Judy Goolsby themselves, who were in attendance.

“I can tell you I have had the opportunity over the last 20 years to meet many of these students and even after they've graduated, I've followed some of their careers and I've seen the successes of some of these young people have had and continue to have,” said John Goolsby, Goolsby Leadership Academy Founder. “So I think [being a Goolsby Scholar] means that you have a commitment to do things the right way to continue to learn to establish yourself as someone who can be depended on can be trusted.”

During the 20th Anniversary celebration, Judy Goolsby expressed her pride in being able to help so many scholars grow and learn.

“All of these young people were toddlers when we started this. Now they're young adults. That’s something to be proud of,” said Judy. “They go on to do wonderful things. I’m so proud that I can look back and say that we had a small hand in helping them get there.”

John and Judy Goolsby give the “Go Mavs” hand sign during the Goolsby Leadership Academy 20 Year Anniversary event at the University of Texas at Arlington, April 29, 2024. 

In the Academy’s 20 years, it’s developed a multitude of students into industry leaders. In attendance were alumni from all cohorts. During the event, two alumni explained how the Academy helped them in their careers during a panel discussion.

“For me, one of the largest takeaways from the Goolsby Leadership Academy was communication. It was instilled in us that communication was important,” said Nicholas Lopez, Cohort 9 alumni (2012-2014). “Throughout my career, communication has been the most important skill I refined in the Academy. It has opened more doors and given me more opportunities than I had ever imagined. It was a skill I excelled at because of my experiences with the Academy.” 

While the alumni in attendance serve as a testament to the Academy’s past success, the Academy continues to strive to be a leading organization in the future of its scholars, not only during their time at UTA, but much throughout their transition from college to their careers as well.

“We're really all about ensuring that we are developing the character, the competence and the confidence of future business leaders,” said Dr. Cynthia St. John, Goolsby Leadership Executive Director. “We really want to be a role model, not just in DFW or even in Texas, but we’d really like to be a national role model for early leadership development and transitions.” 

This look toward the future continued as 26 current Academy scholars received their Academy medallions during the event. These medallions represent their work and dedication to their education and serve as a symbol to be worn during their graduation to show that they will carry the skills and experience they gained during their time at the Academy to their future careers.

The Academy has developed countless students into ethical and decisive leaders in today’s foremost businesses and companies. From its beginning in 2003, the program’s outlook is bright as it continues to drive its scholars towards successful futures.

Goolsby Leadership Academy Cohort 19 sit for a photo after receiving their Academy Medallions at the Goolsby Leadership Academy 20 Year Anniversary event at the University of Texas at Arlington, April 29, 2024.