2026 Alumni Award Recipients

A proud Fort Worth native and multi-sport standout, J. Ron Young arrived at UTA in 1964 on a full football scholarship. As a dynamic split end from 1964 to 1967, Young became the team's leading receiver, shattering several school records, including the benchmark for the most receptions in a single game. In recognition of his legendary collegiate career and lasting impact, he was officially inducted into the UTA Athletics Hall of Honor in March 2025. Following his graduation, Young honorably served his country in the Vietnam War. Upon returning, he pursued his legal ambitions at the University of Houston, where he earned his law degree. He launched his legal career with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, sharpening his courtroom advocacy across more than 150 trials. In 1978, he co-founded the Houston-based law firm Young & Brooks, where he has built a highly regarded practice specializing in Municipal Utility Districts and public bond law. Throughout his successful career, Young has never forgotten his roots or the university that gave him his start. In addition to establishing an endowment to fund student-athlete scholarships, he cemented his legacy as a true champion for Mavericks Athletics by making a historic $2 million commitment to the UTA Athletics Excellence Fund, marking the largest single philanthropic pledge in the department's history. 

Neel Kearby attended North Texas Agricultural College (now UTA) in 1930 and 1931. Kearby served as a colonel in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, where he set a record for the most aerial combat victories in the Pacific Theater. On Oct. 11, 1943, Colonel Kearby was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary actions during a reconnaissance mission over an enemy base near Wewak, New Guinea. General Douglas MacArthur personally presented him with the Medal of Honor in a special ceremony. On March 5, 1944, Kearby’s plane was shot down during a mission. His remains were recovered in 1949 and returned to Dallas, where he was buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery. Over his career, Colonel Kearby received numerous honors, including five Air Medals, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Silver Stars, and the Purple Heart. In 1959, the United States Air Force named a training facility in his honor, and the United States Air Force Museum created an exhibit featuring his medals and a life-sized replica of his P-47 Thunderbolt. In 2020, the Texas Historical Commission unveiled a life-sized statue of Colonel Kearby on the grounds of the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library in Arlington. In 2024, it was announced that the Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington would name its newest theater after Colonel Kearby.

Raul H. Gonzalez has a heart for service. Gonzalez arrived at UTA on his 18th birthday and within a short time was serving on the Interfraternity Council. While raising their three children, he and his wife, Kerry, volunteered for many of the children’s activities. His battle with cancer led him to dedicate much of his free time to public service. Several nonprofit entities, including the Salvation Army and UTA, have benefited from Gonzalez’s volunteerism. He has also served in elected office since 2010, first on the Mansfield School Board and currently on the Arlington City Council. Retirement from his 43-year career with the Dallas law firm Passman & Jones has allowed Gonzalez to follow his true passion: mentoring students in life skills, particularly financial independence. He is a regular presenter at UTA’s Business Week and other events where his guidance is impactful. Gonzalez has a genuine love of UTA. He is a founding member of the College of Business’ Dean’s Leadership Circle. Along with Kerry, Gonzalez is also a longtime member of the Maverick Club and the 1895 Society. Raul and Kerry also funded the Raul H. and Kerry G. Gonzalez Endowed Scholarship.

Shaunda Musick was born and raised in Arlington, Texas. In 2013, Musick graduated from UTA with a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting. She specializes in sports broadcasting, but you can also catch her hosting, emceeing, and announcing at corporate events, awards ceremonies, fashion shows, and private parties. Most of her work is within DFW, but she’s had the pleasure of working all over the U.S. and has even presented internationally. Musick currently represents the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Wings, Dallas Pulse, COSM, Redline Championships, and The All-Star Premiers. She has also been affiliated with the Dallas Mavericks, FC Dallas, Major League Cricket, Panther City Lacrosse, Sport Fishing Championship, UTA Athletics, and 105.3 The Fan. Musick has appeared on ESPN, Disney +, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and TXA 21. She also appeared on the cover of COSIGN Magazine, which dubbed her “the voice behind Dallas sports culture.” She has been recognized as one of the City of Arlington’s “40 Under 40” award recipients.

Paul Geisel was born in Blythe, California, a small desert town. He graduated from Santa Cruz High School and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Willamette University and his master’s and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. Geisel began his tenure at UTA in 1970 and spent 35 years with the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA) until retiring in 2004. He was instrumental in creating the academic program for the Institute for Urban Studies, which later became the School of Urban and Public Affairs and is now part of CAPPA. As he helped recruit students to the new school, Geisel became a familiar face in countless community forums and regional conferences as an engaging authority on the Dallas-Fort Worth region. While at UTA, he received over 100 grants. During a year's leave, Geisel served as executive director of the Dallas Alliance where the desegregation plan for the Dallas Independent School District was written. At UTA, he was nominated as an “Outstanding Professor” twice. Dedicated to his students, Geisel says serving as supervisor for 91 master’s and 12 Ph.D. theses and dissertations was his highest honor.