Emerging Leader Program

Established in 2003 through a generous founding gift from John and Judy Goolsby and other supporters, the Goolsby Leadership Academy’s Emerging Leader Program is the Academy’s original flagship offering. This selective, two-year, cohort-based program serves junior and senior business majors and was later complemented by the Early Leader Program for freshmen and sophomores, added in 2015.

The Emerging Leader Program brings together high-achieving business students with a shared commitment to leadership development. Scholars are selected in the spring or summer of their sophomore year, begin the program in the fall of their junior year, and complete it in the spring of their senior year. Throughout the experience, students engage in cohort-only coursework, learn from distinguished faculty and accomplished executives, participate in leadership programming and extracurricular activities, and connect in dedicated Goolsby social and study spaces.

A dedicated academic advisor works with Scholars across all business majors to ensure seamless integration with their degree plans. The Academy enhances the undergraduate experience, and research shows that Goolsby Scholars achieve stronger post-graduation success outcomes.

Integrity - Courage - Impact

Program Details

Admission Criteria

Minimum two years remaining to graduation
45-65 credit hours
Declared business major
Enrolled full time
Continuing UTA students must have a 3.1 GPA
Incoming transfer students must have a 3.5 transfer GPA

Program Benefits

$2,500 annual scholarship
Generous additional study abroad scholarship
Rigorous leadership development
Enhancement of emotional and social competence
Optional Honors College membership
Networking opportunities with high‑level executives and alumni
Great team interaction and learning

Emerging Leader Application Details

The recruitment cycle for the Emerging Leader Program takes place each spring. The following table outlines specific time frames for the application process based on student group.

Applicants must complete an online application, submit two references by the deadline, and participate in an interview to be considered for selection into the Academy.

For additional questions, please contact us at goolsbyacademy@uta.edu.

2026 Current Student Recruitment Timeline
Application Opens	February 18
Application Closes	March 18
Interviews	April
References Due	May 8
Video Presentation Due	May 8
2026 Transfer Student Recruitment Timeline
Application Opens	May 1
Application Closes	June 1
Interviews	Mid–Late June
References Due	June 19
Video Presentation Due	June 19