College of Business Honors Trailblazers, Innovators and Leaders at Inaugural Hall of Fame and Alumni Awards

With warm greetings and celebratory cheers, the College of Business set the stage for an evening honoring excellence, legacy and connection.

Alumni, current students, faculty, staff and the University of Texas at Arlington College of Business community gathered at the Arlington Convention Center on Friday evening for the inaugural Hall of Fame and Alumni Awards Celebration, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the College of Business and honoring outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to their industries and the College.  

The UTA College of Business Hall of Fame and Alumni Awards Celebration honors alumni and business leaders whose achievements have made a lasting impact in their fields and communities. The awards recognize individuals for their leadership, innovation and service, as well as their embodiment of the university’s core values. Each year, the college celebrates these honorees for inspiring future generations of Mavericks to pursue excellence.

Dean Harry Dombroski speaks to attendees from a podium. Photo by Ellman Photography.

The evening began with a lively reception where guests enjoyed hors' devours and drinks while chatting with fellow attendees and congratulating the award winners. The room buzzed with energy as alumni, faculty and friends of the college reconnected and shared memories. 

Dean Harry Dombroski opened the program by welcoming guests and reflecting on the College’s 60-year legacy of developing leaders who drive progress across industries and communities. “With more than 65,000 alumni worldwide, our Business Mavericks have continuously forged new paths as innovators, change-makers and influential voices in business,” Dombroski said.

The presentation portion of the evening opened with acknowledgments of event sponsors Frost Bank and CAET Construction, followed by a video message from UTA president Jennifer Cowley. 

“Tonight is about celebrating impact, honoring a special group of College of Business alumni who have taken what they learned on our camps and became true influencers across industries, communities and generations,” Cowley said. “You are the living fulfillment of UTA’s mission.”

The presentation of the Alumni Awards began with the Dean’s Service Award, awarded to Brian White, Vice President Americas New Product Introduction at Ericsson. The Maverick Award was awarded to Jake Bailey, Founder and CEO of Trellis Energy Partners.  

The inaugural Kelly Roberts Trailblazer Award, sponsored by CAET Construction, was then awarded first to Kelly Roberts, founder and CEO of Ricochet Fuel Distributors. In her acceptance remarks, Roberts reflected on starting her business in 1988 with little more than a typewriter, a borrowed desk and determination. “The number one tool for success an entrepreneur can have is a strong support system that believes in you,” she said. Roberts also shared her pride in passing her company’s leadership to her daughter, UTA alumna Cass Roberts Powell, and offered advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Hire for your weaknesses. Cash is queen. Find a mentor, then be a mentor.”

Following her remarks, Roberts welcomed the next honoree, James Sellers, founder and CEO of Sellmark Corporation, and presented him with the award. 

From left to right: James Sellers, Jake Bailey, Kelly Roberts, Dean Harry Dombroski and Brian White pose together for a photo. Photo by Ellman Photography.

Before moving on to the Hall of Fame induction, Dean Dombroski took a moment to say a few words about each Alumni Award winner, highlighting their accomplishments and the character traits that set them apart, including their leadership, resilience and commitment to their communities. 

“Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to the College of Business, and I‘ve been fortunate to get to know each of them personally,” Dombroski said. “I’m in awe of what they’ve accomplished.” 

The evening culminated with the induction of this year's Hall of Fame class: Dr. Jackie Fouse, John and Judy Goolsby, Sam Mahrouq, John Merrill, and Vicky Teherani, each recognized for exceptional professional achievement and profound service to the university and community. The Hall of Fame Awards were sponsored by Frost Bank. 

Dr. Jackie Fouse, chair of the board at Agios Pharmaceuticals and a three-time UTA alumna, opened the Hall of Fame speeches by expressing gratitude and humility. “Every graduate of the College is special and making amazing contributions,” she said. “To be chosen for this honor from among that stellar group makes me proud to represent all of us.” She credited her mentors and highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in UTA’s students through study abroad and experiential learning opportunities. 

John and Judy Goolsby, co-founders of the Goolsby Leadership Academy, reflected on two decades of impact through their signature program, which has prepared more than 500 students to lead with integrity, courage and impact. “Leadership is about establishing an environment of integrity, creating a vision, and identifying and developing the strengths of others,” John said. Judy added, “Watching the students over the years has been rewarding for us, and we look forward to the future of the Academy.” 

Sam Mahrouq, founder, chairman and CEO of MEI, Inc., shared a story of perseverance and gratitude. “When I first arrived in the United States, I had no idea what the future held. I just knew that I wanted to build something meaningful,” he said. “The College of Business didn’t just provide me with knowledge, it gave me confidence and direction.” His remarks underscored his philosophy that “we all rise when we lift each other up.” 

John Merrill, founder and president of Tanglewood Total Wealth Management, reminded the audience that success evolves with each stage of life. “I’ve been fortunate to build financial and business success; I want to make it count for something well beyond me,” he said. Merrill, who funded multiple UTA endowments, emphasized that true fulfillment lies in generosity and giving back. 

The final inductee, Vicky Teherani, founder and president of More2Wealth Management, reflected on her journey from Hong Kong to UTA. “When I arrived at the College of Business, I found a home that shared my parents’ belief that education is the best investment you can make,” she said. Teherani credited her professors for instilling discipline and perseverance, and she spoke about the scholarship she and her husband established to ensure others could benefit from the same life-changing education. She closed her speech with a challenge: “Our greatest investments are not in what we earn, but in what we learn and what we give back.”

From left to right: Sam Mahrouq, Vicky Teherani, John Merrill, Jackie Fouse, John and Judy Goolsby and Dean Harry Dombroski pose for a photo on stage. Photo by Ellman Photography.

The evening concluded with a final round of applause for all honorees. “Tonight, we’ve celebrated trailblazers, innovators and servant leaders. Mavericks who have not only built extraordinary careers but have used their success to make a lasting impact,” Dombroski said. “The story of the College of Business isn’t just written in our classrooms or our boardrooms; it’s written in people like you.”

Photos from the event can be found on our Flickr page.