Cory Brown

University of Texas at Dallas, Naveen Jindal School of Management

“Curious, adaptable, results-driven leader who values integrity, relationships, continuous learning, and making a meaningful impact.”

Hometown: Cedar Park, Texas

Fun fact about yourself: I achieved a ranking of 76th in the United States for NCAA Division I Men’s Golf.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Stephen. F. Austin State University, B.B.A. Marketing
The University of Texas at Dallas, M.B.A concentration in Finance (GPA: 3.9)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Texas Materials Group Inc., a CRH Company, Area Sales Representative

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? In the summer of 2024, I was employed with Texas Materials Group Inc., a CRH Company

Where will you be working after graduation? TBD. In the summer of 2025, I will be interning with AT&T in their Financial Leadership Development Program and hope to earn a full-time offer upon completion.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:
Georgia State University Business Valuation case competition finalist – 3rd place team
UTD Fall Stock Trading competition – top 15% finish
MBA Cohort Business competition finalist
MBA Program – Student Ambassador

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I am extremely proud of how I transitioned into business school and achieved the results I set out to accomplish. Returning to school after seven years, while newly-married and coping with a family loss, presented unique challenges. However, my experience balancing academics, NCAA Division I athletics, and personal life during undergrad – combined with seven years of real-world business experience – prepared me to excel.

Despite these challenges, I maintained a 3.9 GPA, secured my top-choice summer internship, competed and placed in multiple business competitions, and built strong, lasting relationships with my cohort, professors, alumni, and business professionals. This experience reinforced my belief in adaptability, perseverance, and the value of surrounding myself with a strong support network.

What achievements are you most proud of in your professional career? I take pride in my ability to drive measurable business impact across multiple roles at Texas Materials Group Inc., a CRH Company. Over seven years, I advanced through four distinct roles, Project Manager, Estimator, Logistics Specialist, and Area Sales Representative, each requiring me to solve complex challenges and deliver strategic results.

As a Project Manager, I successfully led State of Texas Highway projects that generated $10M in annual revenue while directly enhancing infrastructure that millions of Texans rely on daily. This role was particularly meaningful as I managed high-stakes projects that improved mobility, strengthened the state’s economy, and reinforced my ability to lead cross-functional teams under tight deadlines. Through financial oversight and job cost auditing, I optimized working capital, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and profitability.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose The University of Texas at Dallas for its strong academic reputation, esteemed faculty, and proximity to major corporate headquarters. However, the defining factor was the diverse and intellectually stimulating cohort that UTD cultivates. I sought an environment where I could learn from peers with unique cultural backgrounds and professional experiences. This exposure has broadened my perspective and challenged me to grow both personally and professionally.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Dr. Carolyn Reichert stands out as my favorite professor. She taught Financial Management in our first semester and left a lasting impression through her expertise and dedication to student success. I particularly remember her volunteering her time to provide feedback on a business valuation competition presentation, a gesture that underscored her commitment to mentorship. Her guidance significantly enriched my academic experience.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Financial Modeling for Valuation was my favorite course because it bridged financial theory with real world application. Each week, we worked on hands-on case studies, building models from scratch and applying advanced financial techniques. This course equipped me with highly relevant, in-demand skills and made finance come to life beyond textbooks. It solidified my passion for financial strategy and valuation.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? UTD’s networking events were among my most valued experiences. The program orchestrated large scale events in both fall and spring, connecting students with alumni and industry leaders across Dallas. These gatherings provided invaluable opportunities to build relationships and gain industry insights. UTD’s strong alumni engagement and emphasis on networking reflect the program’s commitment to career readiness and professional growth.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I would have defined my specific career interests earlier. The MBA program offers a wealth of opportunities: competitions, networking events, and student organizations, but time is a finite resource. Had I refined my focus sooner, I could have deepened my engagement in key areas aligned with my long-term goals. While exploration is valuable, targeted involvement maximizes the MBA experience.

What is the biggest myth about your school? UT Dallas has a saying: “Keep UTD Nerdy.” While this phrase embraces our academic rigor, it overlooks the dynamic, multifaceted nature of our student body. UTD students are not only intellectually driven, but also entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and leaders. Our campus fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and diverse engagement beyond the classroom.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? The University of Texas at Dallas is in the city of Richardson which is a smaller town north of Dallas, Texas. Richardson’s diverse food scene is a hidden gem. The city offers authentic cuisine from Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Tex-Mex cultures, making it a wonderful place to explore new flavors. Additionally, being part of the Dallas metroplex provides unparalleled access to Fortune 500 headquarters, creating endless networking and career opportunities.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? The HBO series Silicon Valley is one of my favorites and provides an insightful and humorous take on the startup world. The show highlights a key business reality: a great idea alone is not enough; execution, leadership, and strategy are just as crucial. It also underscores the challenges founders face, from venture capital pressures to leadership struggles, reinforcing the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? UTD introduced AI education early through LEAD Camp, a program designed to prepare students for success. We had multiple seminars covering the impact of AI, including a session by Farid Farooq, who discussed the strengths and weaknesses of large language models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. Another expert, Yoram Solomon, explored AI’s ethical implications and its role in business decision making. Additionally, UTD has integrated AI into courses like AI in Marketing, equipping students with practical applications for leveraging AI. Initially a skeptic, I have come to view AI as a powerful tool that enhances productivity and innovation when used strategically.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I admire Joanne Xu, a fellow cohort member from Shanghai, China. With a background in investment banking and e-commerce, she brings exceptional intelligence and experience to every discussion. What stands out most is her relentless work ethic, humility, and adaptability in immersing herself in a new culture. Her insights and dedication have enriched our entire cohort.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1.) Lead financial strategy at a major corporation. I aspire to oversee an organization’s financial operations, ensuring long-term growth and value creation.

2.) Own and operate a business. Eventually, I want to acquire and scale a business, building something that can be passed down to future generations.

What made Cory such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Cory Brown is a standout MBA student and leader. As a Program Ambassador, he represents the program at recruitment events and supports incoming students. In the classroom, he leads by example, actively contributing to discussions and helping his peers. He was part of a case competition team that placed third, demonstrating strong problem-solving and teamwork skills. Always willing to assist classmates, Cory is a valuable member of the MBA community and a strong candidate for this recognition.”

Andrea Burdman
Program Manager, MBA Programs
The University of Texas at Dallas

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2025

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