Built With Pride: Texas Tech Rawls College of Business Alumni/Dean Reflect on Past - Look Toward Future

LUBBOCK, Texas, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As supporters revel in the new facility's completion for the Texas Tech University Rawls College of Business, it is the college's people and programs that continue to garner national attention.

"This is about so much more than just bricks and mortar," said alumnus Jerry Rawls, President and CEO of California-based Finisar Corporation, and for whom the Business College was named. "This is about making first impressions and, even better, developing the future leaders of business and industry for our entire nation."

In fact, Rawls explained, the new building (which opened this semester) offers a reminder to the nation of the leadership role the college already takes. Multiple departments, faculty and programs are nationally recognized, including the Rawls MBA program; the Finance Area; Marketing, which represents the national 2012 winner of the Outstanding Marketing Teacher and the Mobile Marketing Association's Worldwide Academic of the Year; and the Area of Accounting ranks in the top 12 nationally on pass rates for the CPA exam by graduate students. Additionally, Energy Commerce is one of the top programs nationally - boasting a near 100 percent placement rate for its 2011 graduates in one of today's most sought-after professions.

"This new building allows us to put our footprint on the business world like never before," said Rawls alumnus Paul Horton, founder of Houston-based Lighthouse Capital Management. "It's time for the business college to make its own statement."

Though the Texas Tech Board of Regents earmarked $25 million in matching funds, the College focused their campaign to complete the environmentally focused facility, built for LEED certification, squarely on alumni to raise the majority of remaining funds - and alumni came through to see that dream become reality.

"More students are entering college each year. Better facilities are a must - and the college had the right idea to keep in mind exactly what is needed for these students and the faculty as a whole to make it all come together," Rawls said.

Rawls College of Business Dean Allen McInnes agreed. "Our faculty is stronger and more highly respected than ever, and our student body is the most talented in our history. Doctoral programs are recognized nationally for their excellence, our graduates are increasingly in demand, and our alumni have chosen careers in regional, national and worldwide positions of influence.

"We have every reason to be proud."

Contact: Kim Davis, (806) 544-4255

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SOURCE Texas Tech University Rawls College of Business