Letter from the CEO: the Longhorn Way

I remember when I first saw them sitting on a silent auction table at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth: a glorious set of mounted steer horns that spanned seven feet. The burnt-orange blood rushed like rapids through my veins, and I knew I had to have them.

Cut to me driving down I-35 in my sedan back to Austin. Both backseat windows were rolled down, and a horn tip was poking out of each side. The highest bidder on the open road! But as I pulled into the driveway, my wife Marsha took one look at the horns and said, “Those aren’t coming in the house.”

Although we don’t always agree on décor, Marsha, BS ’91, Life Member, gets my love for The University of Texas because she went here, too. In the past few months, I’ve met so many remarkable people—alumni, students, staff—and I’m not surprised by what I’ve found: UT is deeply loved. There’s a sense of connection that shows up whenever Longhorns gather. You feel it.

Years ago, the idea that I’d one day be in a position to serve the University at a high level would’ve shocked me. I’m not an academic. I’ve spent most of my career in the corporate world. More recently, I entered semi-retirement and was honored to serve on the Texas Exes Board of Directors, and I assumed that would be the peak of my involvement. Life, as it turns out, had other plans.

In the years ahead, my focus will be growing and enhancing the Forty Acres Scholars Program, strengthening our advocacy efforts, supporting our chapters and networks, increasing membership, and expanding awareness of traditions. I look forward to collaborating with our new leadership at the University and making the most of this exciting transition. Most of all, I want to ensure we’re delivering greater value to our 120,000 members—and connecting meaningfully with the broader community of 590,000 alumni around the world.

The team here is incredible. The staff is smart, mission-driven, and rowing in the same direction. And while we’re already strong, I want to be a leader who inspires us all to keep leveling up.

Which brings me back to those horns. They followed me from Austin to offices in Manhattan and D.C., where they became the world’s best icebreaker. Eventually, they fell out of a moving box and broke on Pennsylvania Avenue. Looks like it’s time for a new pair—and a new chapter.

Hook ’em,  
Robert W. Jones, BBA ’87, Life Member  
Texas Exes CEO 

CREDIT: Coutresy of Robert Jones