Emerson gift launches international opportunities for students

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas State University alumnus and long-time benefactor Scott Emerson is making a generous donation to the McCoy College of Business to further advance the Emerson Global Scholars endowment at McCoy College, which has now reached $1 million with the additional gift. The donation will launch the international component of the Dean’s Leadership Academy (DLA), funding a 10-day immersive trip for DLA students to India in March 2026.

The excursion will be the first international experience offered through the DLA, an invitation-only program that prepares top juniors and seniors at McCoy College for global leadership. Students will spend time in Hyderabad and New Delhi, including corporate visits, roundtable discussions with Indian entrepreneurs and executives, and excursions to historic landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

“India was chosen because it offers hands-on experience in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and direct exposure to unique business practices,” said Dr. Seth Frei, chief of staff and assistant dean at McCoy College. “In the program, our students will gain practical understanding of emerging markets, adaptability, and cross-cultural skills that are invaluable for global business careers.”

Emerson’s donation ensures every student in the cohort can participate at no personal cost. The gift covers airfare, accommodations, meals, business and cultural site visits, and local transportation.

"Scott Emerson exemplifies the power of visionary philanthropy," said Ramchander. "His continued investment in the Emerson Global Scholars endowment doesn’t just send our students abroad — it builds bridges between cultures, economies, and minds. When our students walk the halls of Indian corporations and witness the country’s entrepreneurial dynamism and innovative digital revolution, they gain the insight and courage to lead on a global scale."

Ramchander emphasized the program's deeper mission: "We're preparing the next generation of ethical leaders who understand that success in today's world requires both global perspective and local wisdom. Scott's gift empowers students to return to Texas with broader knowledge and deeper purpose.”

The cultural immersion experience, which includes a day trip to Agra and a visit to the Taj Mahal, is made possible through a gift from Shari Munkres, a Texas State alumna and member of the Dean’s Leadership Council.

“Outside of the business visits, this is one of the top visits students are looking forward to making while we are there,” Frei said.

Launched in spring 2025, the Dean's Leadership Academy reflects McCoy College's commitment to cultivating globally minded, ethically driven leaders. The program accepts a small group of students each year through a highly selective application process. The program offers direct mentorship from business executives and the dean, while promoting a close-knit cohort model that focuses on collaboration and peer learning.

Ramchander and Frei will lead the trip to India. Last spring, students in the program visited San Antonio for a one-day business immersion experience.

“Our hope is that we continue to build on and expand the Dean’s Leadership Academy through curated experiences we can offer to students,” Frei said. "We are always looking to keep improving and expanding.”

The DLA cohort is scheduled to depart for India on March 12, 2026, and return on March 22.

“The Emerson Global Scholars represent the extraordinary outcomes made possible by strategic philanthropy,” Ramchander said. “Emerson’s enduring support is shaping a legacy of global leadership—one student, one journey, one transformative gift at a time.” ✯