Portfolio Manager, AmeriTrust
Dugan, who recently joined AmeriTrust in Tulsa, manages client portfolios in order to meet their individual investment objectives. “My time at UTD was integral in building upon my educational foundation,” he said. “The flexibility of the degree program gave me the opportunity to focus more of my studies in finance, which helped me at my job at that time and prepared me for larger roles going forward.” Dugan, who earned his grad degree in Management and Administrative Sciences, with a heavy concentration in finance (before Jindal School offered a master’s degree in finance) had earned his undergraduate accounting degree at Texas A&M University. He is both a CPA and a Certified Financial Analyst. He has broad experience in the financial industry, including time at the Meadows Foundation in Dallas and Russell Investments in Tacoma, WA.
What do you enjoy about your current position/profession?
I enjoy the opportunity to educate our clients about investments and serve them as they pursue the achievement of their financial goals.
What characteristics do you look for when hiring people into your workplace?
I look for people who are smarter than me, very articulate, genuinely care for others and bring diversity of thought, experience and perspective to our team.
Why did you come to UT Dallas?
I saw the opportunity to get a high quality education locally and be able to keep my job. The emphasis on practical application of the theories we were learning were especially important to me.
Did a UT Dallas professor inspire you? Who was that and how was that person inspirational?
Dr. Dale Osborne. I really liked his lecture style, knowledge of the markets, and how he connected theory to real world examples. (Osborne retired as a professor of finance and economics in 1999 after teaching at UT Dallas for 15 years.)
What is something you wish you had done while you were in college and why do you wish you had?
I wish I would have taken more time to be more involved in campus life, meet more people and develop deeper relationships on campus.
What advice do you have for college students hoping to succeed professionally?
Learn all you can, listen more than you speak, build your network and grow it and always do more than what is expected of you.
What makes an effective leader?
The ability to listen, have a vision for the future and sincerely care for each member of the team.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to spend time with my family and to help others who want to learn more about how to better manage their financial life.
