In spring 2013, UT Austin announced a $25 million pledge from Dallas businessman Robert Rowling, BBA ’76, his wife Terry Hennersdorf Rowling, BBA ’76, and their family to fund the construction of a 458,000 square foot graduate business building — Robert B. Rowling Hall!
Rowling Hall will house the McCombs School of Business graduate programs, including the Texas MBA program. So future Texas MBAs, here’s how our new home is coming along so far:
The Beginning of Something Big
The future home of the Texas MBA – Rowling Hall!
Construction plans on the future site of the Texas MBA, Rowling Hall, began fall 2014. The new building, next to the AT&T Executive conference center on the west side of the UT-Austin campus, is projected to open in 2018. Rowling Hall will be the “launch pad” for projects between the school’s students & alumni, and the wider Austin community. Stand-out features include the active learning classrooms!
Groundbreaking of Rowling Hall
Construction on Rowling officially began on November 7th, 2015.
Breaking new ground: (left to right) Associate Dean, Eric Hirst, Dean, Tom Gilligan, Robert Rowling, President Powers, and GBC President at that time, Maureen McCaffery
Texas MBAs are known for their work ethic. They have established a reputation as leaders, team players…They roll up their sleeves and seek solutions. They take risks and try new things. They make things happen.
– Eric Hirst, Senior Associate Dean of the McCombs School of Business
“Meet me at the Moontower.”
Artist’s rendering of Moontower Cafe
Last year, McCombs held a contest to name the cafe at Rowling Hall. Students from all six MBA programs responded with 127 submissions. A naming committee narrowed the list until student Mackswell Dickson, MBA ’16, emerged as winner, gaining a one-year tuition scholarship. Donor Robert B. Rowling was among the attendees at the final winner’s announcement. The winning name, the “Moontower Cafe,” was announced in an email to all students.
Artist’s rendering of Rowling Hall Terrace
Hook ‘Em!
