1998 Distinguished Alumnus - Maurice L. Barksdale

Maurice L. Barksdale graduated from UTA in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in history and is now president and partner with the Fort Worth investment banking house of Harrington, Moran, Barksdale and Day.

The firm, specializing in the acquisition and financing of commercial real estate, is building a national reputation for its work in innovative health care financing and federal contract consulting.

Prior to his tenure at the Fort Worth firm, Barksdale spent many years in the public sector, including service as assistant secretary for multifamily housing in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and as commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

In the late 1980s, he was considered a candidate for the HUD secretary cabinet post in the Bush administration, a position which eventually went to Jack Kemp.