Read the success stories from JSOM alumni who earned their bachelor’s in Business Administration from the Jindal School of Management. These alumni are current professionals who share their insights about their experience and life after graduating from UT Dallas.
Jonathan “J.J.” Jones, BS’12, MS’14, MBA’16
Senior Property Manager, Crescent Property Services, LLC
In his current position, Jones manages a Class A commercial real estate portfolio for Crescent, which acquires, develops and operates high-end properties alongside an exclusive group of investors and high-net-worth clients. Crescent currently has $3.5 billion in assets in its portfolio. Jones said his education at Jindal School has opened a lot of doors for him. “I don’t think I’m smarter than I was, but it helped me in my ability to creatively problem solve, navigate multiple fields of expertise and remain confident in a rapidly evolving business environment,” he said. He earned three degrees at the Jindal School – a BS in Business Administration, an MS in Supply Chain Management and an MBA.
Jessica Pillado Gonzalez, BS’10
Vice President, Santander Consumer USA
Gonzalez is vice president of the U.S. operational strategy and digital transformation team at Santander Consumer USA. In her role, Gonzalez’ team is focused on enhancing business performance and fintech solutions. She manages relationships with key partners and global digital leaders as the digital liaison for Santander Consumer.
Cristie Feldman Schlosser, ASID, RID, NKBA, NCIDQ , BS’84
Principal Interior Designer, Schlosser Design Group, LLC
The highlight of my current career has been recognition by my peers as an award-winning interior designer.
Joe Warren, BS’11
Software Engineer, USAA
Each day, I strive to use best practices, creating beautiful and accessible experiences for our internal and member-facing systems.
Robert Kientz, BS’04
Senior Security Analyst, Verizon Wireless
In his role with Verizon, Kientz performs risk assessment of information security vulnerabilities and system security policy compliance.
Mark Fuqua, BS’79
Exec Vice President And Manager, Energy Banking Comerica Bank
Fuqua completed his BS/Business Administration degree with a finance concentration at UT Dallas when undergrads had been on the UTD campus a mere four years.
Anjie Vichayanonda, BS’08
Founder And CEO, Leg Up Legal
I wanted to come back to Texas to be closer to family, so I joined the Dallas office of Haynes and Boone, LLP, in 2017.
Kyle Frederick, BS’04
Residential Realtor
Frederick, who earned a BS/Business Administration degree at Jindal School, with a concentration in management information systems, is a residential Realtor.
Tina T. Hoang, BS’09
Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual
Hoang, who graduated cum laude with a Business Administration degree, says her degree gave her the knowledge, resources and connections to help people with their financial planning needs. “It helped me build character, business acumen and find the passion for what I do now,” she says. She says she is proud her work will impact families and businesses now “and last … on into the following generations.” She was recently selected as one of 60 representatives nationwide to attend a special fast-track program for young advisers in Milwaukee. While there, she took part in the challenge course.
Aubrey Meyers, BS’05, MBA’06
SVP and Deputy General Counsel, Caliber Home Loans, Inc
After Meyers received her BSBA and MBA at UT Dallas, she went to University of Illinois College of Law, graduating in 2009 with a law degree. She returned to the North Texas area, working for a couple law firms before moving to Caliber Home Loans.
Brett Philips, BS’05, MS’09
Founding Partner, Shifflett & Philips
Philips, and his friend Nick Shifflett, started Shifflett & Philips accounting firm in 2014 in Frisco. Philips, a CPA, had worked at other accountancies for more than nine years before going out on his own. His practice now primarily focuses on the performance of federal and state tax compliance and consulting with individuals, estates, partnerships and closely held corporations. Philips holds two Jindal School degrees – a bachelor’s in Business Administration, which he completed in 2005, and an MS/Accounting which he completed in 2009.
Jenny Rush, BS’85
Founder, Lymethriving
I came to UT Dallas in the early ‘80s when the campus was young. I loved the flexibility of night classes as I was working full-time at an advertising agency.
Vik Thapar, BS’00
Principal, Cypress Growth Capital
Thapar, a Dallas resident, was born and grew up just a few miles from the UT Dallas campus in Richardson.
Doug Hermann, BS’14
Broker Associate, The Weitzman Group
Hermann double-majored while at Jindal School, graduating with a degree in Finance and a degree in Business Administration.
Mindy Tiu, BS’14
GE, Commercial Leadership Program
Mindy Tiu, now living in Stamford, Conn, fully embraced her time at UT Dallas by taking part in a broad range of campus activities.
Heidi Rasmussen, BS’92
Co-Founder and COO, Freshbenies
Heidi Rasmussen, a former retail executive, and her husband, Reid Rasmussen, a former health insurance company manager, knew health benefits were complicated for employers and their workers.
The Lanes
Giulia Ippolito Lane and Robert Lane
When Rob entered UT Dallas, he already held an undergraduate degree from University of Southern California. He eventually earned four additional degrees at UT Dallas.
Dustin Gadberry, BS’07
Chief Executive Officer, Gadberry Construction Company, Inc.
Gadberry is in his second decade in the construction business, having launched his company in 2000. He grew the business while completing his degree at The University of Texas at Dallas.
Brad Perkinson, BS’08, MS’09
Founder,CEO and Brewer, Firewheel Brewing Co., LLC
This Naveen Jindal School of Management grad took the opportunity of getting laid off to pursue a dream of starting what is now known as FireWheel Brewery in Rowlett.
The Perdue Family
Connie, Caitlin and Brad Perdue
For the Perdue family, attending the Jindal School is a family tradition that stands out among many others. Parents Brad and Connie met while graduate students in the 1980s, and many years later, daughter Caitlin received her undergraduate degree as well.
