Landon Thornton, '23
April 1, 2024
Every student thinking about pursuing higher education evaluates their choices based on two primary factors: their goals and their interests. Landon Thornton, ’23, looked for a college with a strong business program and where he could continue running.
Completing both a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and a Bachelor of Science in computer science, this native of Sulphur Springs, TX, went forth with a two-part mission at UT Tyler: to grow the presence and achievements of the school’s cross-country team and to prepare for a career as a financial analyst.
During his years at UT Tyler, the school transitioned from a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III school to a Division II institution. At the same time, the team presented a more challenging environment than what he experienced in high school — one built upon collaboration but also intense competition.
In working to advance the team, he ended the 2022 season as an All-Lone Star Conference performer and started 2023 as UT Tyler’s top finisher. In this direction, Thornton aimed for a top-three finish for the UT Tyler team at the LSC Conference.
About why I chose UT Tyler
A big reason why I chose UT Tyler was because of the business school. I'm very focused on academics. This was a school I could run at and also get a good degree, and I felt comfortable knowing that I would graduate with the knowledge to get a good job in the future.
My experiences on UT Tyler’s cross-country team
Winning as a team surpasses any feeling of winning by yourself. When we won third place three years ago in our conference meet, I remember feeling better than I did last year when I placed in the top 15th individually.
Athletics at UT Tyler
The NCAA accepted UT Tyler into its Division III ranks in 2007. UT Tyler transitioned to a Division II school starting in 2018 and received official acceptance in 2021. Today, we’re home to 17 NCAA Division II intercollegiate teams. Participating students tend to have higher GPAs than the campus average and get involved with multiple leadership and community pursuits.
Teams and SchedulesHow I balanced athletics with being a dual-degree student at UT Tyler
You have to force yourself to sit down and do work, just like you do when you run circles around the field every day for the past five years. It's the same thing with school. You have to open your laptop up and start reading. It's not something that you can do once a week; you have to do it every day, running and school, you have to keep it fresh. That place in the hallway is a great place for me to sit down and study and get things done.
About UT Tyler’s BBA in Finance Program
Building from a core of business fundamentals, the BBA in finance positions students with the skills and applied experience to pursue careers in financial planning, banking, portfolio management and corporate finance. In addition to exploring these concepts in the classroom, the program stresses the importance of internships and other hands-on opportunities, allowing students to grow their resume well in advance of graduation.
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