Leading with Purpose 

Leadership is always evolving —  and here at McCombs, we’re embracing the change. 

At McCombs, we’ve always redefined what it means to lead: with empathy, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose. Today’s leaders aren’t just managing — they’re inspiring, building organizations that reflect the values of a new generation. More of today’s business leaders are building companies with purpose, leading teams with empathy, and shaping workplaces with their boldness and creativity.  

 This issue of McCombs magazine celebrates that spirit. You’ll meet entrepreneurs, such Aimy Steadman and Justin Fenchel, MBA ’13, co-founders of BeatBox Beverages, who built a $200 million brand by listening to their customers, empowering their team, and staying true to the music festival roots that inspired their company. You’ll meet Clayton Spencer of Poncho Outdoors, whose leadership blends entrepreneurial grit with a love for the outdoors. His brand underscores authenticity and purpose. And you’ll learn about Deepica Mutyala, BBA ’11, whose company Live Tinted is bringing new ideas into the beauty industry. She describes how she leads with transparency and empathy and surrounds herself with people who support, challenge, and complement her.  

These stories reflect the kind of leadership we champion at McCombs — human-centered, future-focused, and grounded in the belief that business can be a force for reinvention. It’s a thrilling time to be part of this community, as we see those values take root in everything from innovative ways our students and alumni become entrepreneurs through acquisition to our first cohort of the Hildebrand MBA Scholars. As I reflect on this exciting period of transformation, I also want to share a personal milestone: I will retire as dean of the McCombs School of Business at the end of the 2025-26 academic year, when my six-year term concludes.  

Serving as dean since 2020 has been the greatest honor of my professional life. Together, we’ve weathered a pandemic, expanded our programs, elevated our national reputation, and raised nearly $660 million. I’m proud to report that amount exceeds our campaign goal and has enabled us to secure naming gifts for key departments and centers. We’ve broken ground on Mulva Hall, a $425 million, 17-story hub designed to bring together undergraduate classrooms, research, and faculty spaces under one roof. And we’ve built a culture of respect, collaboration, and gratitude. 

Some deans pace themselves. I preferred to sprint. 

After May 31, 2026, I’ll take a sabbatical for the 2026-27 academic year, then return to teaching and research in the Accounting Department — where my journey at McCombs began. A national search for the next dean, led by Executive Vice President and Provost William Imboden, will launch this fall. 

I’m proud of what we’ve built together, thanks to your support, generosity, and belief in our mission. You helped us shape the next generation of leaders — ready to meet the future with grace, pluck, and Longhorn pride. 

With my warmest Hook ’em,

Lillian F. Mills, Dean 
Lois and Richard Folger Dean’s Leadership Chair
Beverly H. and William P. O’Hara Endowed Chair in Business
Centennial Chair in Business Education Leadership