Texas State alumnus first donor to commit to McCoy College Foundation Pay-it-Forward Fund

Brian Outlaw has built a career around long-term value creation. Now the Texas State University alumnus is applying that same philosophy to giving back.

Outlaw, ‘03 BBA finance alumnus of Texas State University, is the first donor to commit to the McCoy College Foundation’s new Pay-it-Forward (PIF) Fund, a scholarship model designed to make philanthropy more accessible.

The PIF Fund provides an alternative to the traditional scholarship model, which typically requires a $25,000 commitment within five years. The PIF model allows donors to fully fund a scholarship over 15 years by making annual contributions that fit their budget. Donations are pooled, and when the fund reaches $25,000, scholarships are disbursed to students who meet the criteria. When the donor reaches the full amount, the investment is converted into a named scholarship with the criteria set by the donor.

For Outlaw, the institutional asset management vice president at PNC, the decision to be the fund's first donor was rooted in his interest in staying engaged with the university and supporting McCoy College’s growth. With guidance from the university’s vice president for development, Todd Jensen, he connected with the college and was introduced to Angela Glode, the executive director of the McCoy College Foundation. He said her enthusiasm for expanding the college’s impact through initiatives such as the PIF Fund and for advancing student success and alumni engagement was contagious, and he was excited to be part of it.

Outlaw’s commitment is personal. As a student, he benefited from scholarship support that made his education accessible.

“I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from a private foundation and would not have been able to attend Texas State without it,” he said. “I also had several professors who inspired us to go and do great things while also encouraging us to give back when we had the opportunity.”

Among those who left a lasting impression were finance professors Dr. Glenn Tanner and Dr. Holland Toles, whose influence helped shape Outlaw’s experience.

“They were all exceptionally intelligent and poured their wisdom and experience into their students,” he said. “They also poured their heart into helping us develop as humans who could be critical thinkers and positive contributors in the world.”

As the first donor to the PIF Fund, Outlaw is establishing a path for other alumni and supporters who want to make a meaningful impact but may not be ready for a large upfront commitment. Looking ahead, he hopes the PIF Fund opens doors for students who, like him, depend on scholarship funds.

“I hope it gives more students the opportunity to get an education and a confident foundation to pursue their passion,” he said.

Through his generosity and leadership, Outlaw is paying it forward and helping support future generations of McCoy College students. ✯

For more information about the Pay-it-Forward Fund, contact McCoy College Foundation Executive Director Angela Glode.