Austin State University in Texas. He holds a doctorate from the University of Texas at Dallas. His research interests are in the areas of strategy, leadership, and innovation. Before he began his academic career, he spent 20 years as a project manager at Texas Instruments and Raytheon. In 2008, he was selected as a Foster Fellow and spent one year as Science Advisor at the U.S. Department of State. This tour in Washington reinforced his interest in the importance of political connections for future leaders. Issue: 2010 Volume 13 Issue 1