The UTA College of Business connects students and city leaders through “Exec Connect” event

The University of Texas at Arlington College of Business held an “Exec Connect” event at the Fort Worth Club on February 20th, 2025.

The event, hosted by the UTA Executive Master of Business Administration program, brought together local leaders from Fort Worth and the surrounding DFW area including members of Leadership Fort Worth and the Cities Mayor, Mattie Parker.

“I’m very thankful for the investment of UTA into Fort Worth and the rest of Tarrant County,” said Parker. “As you all know, Dr. Cowley announced the development of UTA West which will be a significant investment for western Tarrant County and quite frankly for our education ecosystem. UTA is playing it smart by continuing to not just invest in their phenomenal Arlington campus, but also in their flagship campus in Fort Worth that continues to outpace and outrun a lot of other major university systems.”

Fort Worth Mayor, Mattie Parker, speaks during the University of Texas at Arlington College of Business Executive MBA Exec Connect event at the Fort Worth Club. (Photo by Jalen Larry)

Mayor Parker opened the event by speaking about the importance of education within the State of Texas and the United States, updates about the future of the City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, and allowed for questions from the audience regarding business, future goals, and the state of education.

Following Mayor Parker’s forum, members of UTA College of Business networked with local leaders, business owners, and alumni learn more about one another and create opportunities and partnerships.

“We needed a way to increase awareness of our presence in the metroplex while staying true to one of our program’s greatest strengths, bringing leaders together for meaningful conversations that drive real change.” said Hakim Sims, UTA Executive MBA program director. “This event helped us do that and seeing it all come together during the event was truly incredible.”

This event connected UTA with the city of Fort Worth and deepened ties between the university and the city. By including Mayor Parker, the UTA College of Business gave its students, faculty, and staff an in-roads to the municipality many of them live and work within.

“Mayor Parker’s insights into the challenges and rapid growth of our community sparked dynamic discussions among many distinguished leaders, professionals, alumni and students in attendance,” said Sims. “I want to give a huge thank you to Mayor Parker and everyone who attended and helped make this event a success.”

The UTA College of Business continues to work with business and municipal leaders to drive growth and innovation in our communities and create tomorrow’s leaders by connecting industry professionals and students within North Texas and around the world.

Attendees network at the University of Texas at Arlington College of Business Executive MBA Exec Connect event. (Photo by Jalen Larry)