A Legacy of Integrity, Courage, and Impact: John and Judy Goolsby Honored with Hall of Fame Award

For John and Judy Goolsby, integrity, courage and impact aren’t just the values of the Goolsby Leadership Academy, but words they live by and have instilled in others through their decades of service, philanthropy and leadership.

This year, both are being honored with their induction into the UTA College of Business Hall of Fame, recognizing their meaningful contributions to the university and beyond.

For John, a 1964 graduate of the College of Business, this honor is deeply humbling.

“My career path was somewhat unconventional and included several significant changes as I responded to opportunities that were presented. I am thankful to the two mentors who provided the opportunities and guidance that enabled me to be successful. I am also thankful for the generosity of a friend who enabled me to help establish the Goolsby Leadership Academy, and I will forever be grateful,” Goolsby said. “Now, to be recognized in this way, is something I could have only dreamed of. This year’s class of inductees is very impressive, and I am honored to be included among them.”

John and Judy Goolsby at the Goolsby Scholars 20th Anniversary dinner. 

John’s career led him to the top of the real estate development world, including serving as President and CEO of the Howard Hughes Corporation, and both he and Judy view success as an opportunity to give back.

“Any success I have achieved started with the sound education I received at UTA, and I wanted to ensure that the students of today and tomorrow have the same opportunities I was provided,” Goolsby said. 

When given the opportunity to direct a major gift, John and Judy worked together to find where their investment could have the most impact. Together, they chose to direct a major gift to the College of Business, creating what would become the Goolsby Leadership Academy, a cohort-based program designed to create and cultivate future business leaders. 

“We could have split the gift and given it to more than one organization,” Goolsby said. “Judy worked with me in making the final decision to direct the entire gift to the College of Business. She was involved in all of the initial meetings with the President, the Dean and other faculty members as we made decisions about establishing the Leadership Academy.  She also attended at least a couple of presentations to the scholars with me and gave her own advice to them about things that she thought they should know.”

John and Judy pose for a photo at dinner. 

By establishing the Academy, the Goolsbys hope students will take what they’ve learned at UTA and apply it to their future endeavors. 

“Our hope is that the scholars will have future success and happiness. We want them to always remember and live the pillars of the Academy: Integrity, Courage and Impact, in their business and personal lives,” said Goolsby.

As they reflect on this joint honor, the Goolsbys remain focused not on accolades, but on impact. To current students, their advice is thoughtful and enduring: “Remember that your profession is only part of your life. Pursue balance, value your relationships, and never forget that how you achieve your success matters just as much as what you achieve.”

In honoring John and Judy Goolsby, the Hall of Fame celebrates a partnership that has shaped leaders, strengthened communities and left an indelible mark on UTA and its future.