A Message From Dean Swimberghe
November 20, 2025
Soules College of Business Fall 2025 Newsletter
Dean's Message
Dear Friends,
As we head further into November – a very special month to me personally – my thoughts turn to memories of the past, thoughts of family and good friends, life lessons learned and the many reasons I must be thankful.
I am very proud of and thankful for our Patriot students, faculty and staff who, in the face of serious challenges emotionally, physically and financially, have continued to persevere with true Patriot spirit and determination. There has never been a more important time to stop, reflect and be thankful.
November is also a time we as a nation remember our veterans. Veterans Day is very special to me personally because I was raised only about 15 minutes from the World War I trenches in Flanders Fields (Belgium). On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the Great War ended with Germany signing an armistice agreement with the Allies in a railroad car outside Compiegne, France, and an extremely unprecedented, costly, chaotic and devastating time in our history came to an end. I am eternally grateful to all the veterans who served and sacrificed their lives. We all continue to be in the debt of those servicemen and women who continue to serve and give their lives for our freedom as a nation. It is because of their service and sacrifice that we can enjoy life as we know it today and the ability to passionately pursue our hopes, dreams and opportunities––even in the face of difficult challenges and circumstances. November is also special because of Thanksgiving, a time that brings families together and allows us to say thank you to those whom we love and cherish.
This newsletter represents some of the many reasons we must be thankful for the students, faculty, staff and alumni who are continuing to achieve great things at the Soules College of Business. The featured stories focus on two Soules alumni, husband and wife, who together are achieving personal and professional successes, and news about one of our faculty in the Soules College of Business, who has embraced the era of AI and is conducting groundbreaking research –– all while showing us ways on how AI can be used for good. In addition, you will get to meet Dr. Marilyn Young, Professor of Management, a mainstay on campus and in Tyler, who is always looking for opportunities to serve and give back. We also highlight two of the centers housed in the College which serve our students and communities – the ETX LaunchPad and the UT Tyler-Longview Small Business Development Center.
We can all agree that while 2025 has been challenging, there are also many reasons to be thankful! In closing, let me also say a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who continue to sacrifice and give of your time, talent and finances to UT Tyler and the Soules College of Business. I humbly challenge alumni to join the great work and investment being made by others to support the growth and development of the Soules College of Business. Under the tremendous leadership of President Julie Philley, now is a great time and opportunity to help us shape the lives of our students as they prepare to become tomorrow’s leaders in our community, businesses and world.
I wish all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday.
Dr. Krist Swimberghe
Dean, Soules College of Business