Each fall and spring semester, we invite accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders to speak with students enrolled in the Studies in Entrepreneurship (MGT 3360) course. As part of this speaker series, students gain personal insights into entrepreneurship as the guest speakers describe their accomplishments, share stories about their career path, and offer recommendations for growth and success.
Although the speaker series is intended for students enrolled in MGT 3360, we are able to accommodate special guests on certain occasions. If you are interested in attending a presentation, complete our guest registration form via the link below.
Fall 2025
Tuesday, September 30
Dr. Marlene Orozco is a nationally recognized sociologist, researcher, and thought leader on Latino entrepreneurship, economic mobility, and workforce development. She is the CEO and Founder of Stratified Insights, a research consulting firm providing academic-grade research solutions to organizations including nonprofits, financial institutions, venture studios, and government.
Dr. Orozco holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Stanford University, an M.A. in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University, and a B.A. with Honors in Sociology from Stanford University. She brings a unique blend of academic rigor, entrepreneurial vision, and public engagement to her work, bridging research and practice to drive systemic change.
Tuesday, October 14
Serenity Carr is the co-founder and CEO of Serenity Kids. She and her husband, Joe, started the company to provide nutrient-dense, high-protein baby food for their newborn daughter. Seeing a gap in the market and inspired by their journey of healing their own health issues through diet, they created a natural baby food brand to provide healthy options for all babies.
After struggling with health problems from a diet high in processed foods, Carr discovered the healing benefits of a Paleo lifestyle, leading her to start a company and develop baby food to match those standards. Serenity Kids crafts baby food using ethically sourced meats, organic veggies, and wholesome fats. These carefully chosen ingredients ensure delicious, balanced meals that provide babies with essential protein and healthy fats for their growth. Carr is disrupting the baby food industry with innovative, nutrient-dense products — bringing power to the littles.
Tuesday, October 28
Ogden Payne began his career as a contributing writer for Forbes and Grammy Magazine. During this time, he covered the rise of various artists—like Migos and Jack Harlow—highlighting the journeys of emerging talent on their path to success.
Following his time as a journalist, Payne founded FTS (For the Students), an education company that helps students, artists, and aspiring music professionals understand the business side of the music industry. Through certificate programs, workshops, and partnerships with schools and organizations, FTS has equipped over 130 creative entrepreneurs with the tools to navigate careers in management, publishing, marketing, and more.
Tuesday, November 11
Brian has been actively involved with McCoy’s since the age of 17. Yard hand, truck driver, floor salesperson, assistant store manager, store manager, merchandise manager, vice president, co-president, and CEO are all positions he has held over the past 53 years. Today, he serves as chair of the board.
McCoy’s Building Supply is privately held by Brian’s family and operates in 90 locations across 3 states. The McCoy Team serves independent home builders, repair/remodel contractors, and project-oriented do-it-yourselfers as targeted customers.
In 2012, Brian was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas Tech University. In 2022, he received the Denise M. Trauth Outstanding Leadership Award from Texas State University.
He currently serves as President of the Emmett & Miriam McCoy College of Business Foundation at Texas State University.