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In this episode of the Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast, we’re joined by someone who has shaped the Texas McCombs experience for more than two decades: Tina Mabley, Senior Assistant Dean of the Full-Time MBA Program. Since arriving at McCombs in 2001, Tina has served in roles spanning alumni relations, admissions, program management, and now strategic leadership in the Dean’s office. Today, she oversees every dimension of the Full-Time MBA, from curriculum and student experience to admissions, career services, and long-term program vision. She focuses on human-centered, future-focused leadership development and curricular innovation that directly impacts student outcomes and career readiness. A Dartmouth graduate with an MBA from McCombs, Tina also contributes nationally to management education as a former chair and current board member of the Graduate Business Curriculum Roundtable.
Tina joins host Graham Richmond to unpack one of McCombs’ signature student-development initiatives: the Hildebrand Leadership Fellows. She explains how the program was built to fill a critical gap in traditional MBA training, why McCombs draws a sharp distinction between leadership and management, and how students often rethink their own assumptions about what it means to lead. She walks through the program’s core components — assessments, coaching, workshops, and deep reflection — and explores the hands-on experiences that help Fellows translate big ideas into real behavior change.
She also looks ahead to the program’s expansion, fueled by significant new funding, and discusses what employers are asking of emerging leaders in today’s business landscape. And for listeners considering an MBA, Tina shares practical advice: how to start building leadership habits now, and how to put your best foot forward when applying to McCombs.
Developing Tomorrow’s Business Leaders
The Hildebrand Leadership Fellows program at UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business represents a comprehensive approach to leadership development, designed for students who want to build authentic leadership capabilities that extend beyond the classroom.This flexible program is open to all MBA students across McCombs’ Full-Time, Evening, Dallas, Houston, and Executive programs. Rather than following a rigid schedule, students can pursue leadership development at their own pace through approved activities that span real-world consulting projects, industry workshops, one-on-one coaching, and global experiences.
What sets the program apart is its emphasis on reflection and self-awareness. Students don’t just participate in activities; but develop critical thinking skills by analyzing their experiences, documenting their learning, and creating personal leadership plans. This thoughtful approach helps build the kind of authentic, credible leadership that today’s organizations need.
The program builds on McCombs’ proven leadership framework, focusing on character development and credibility building. Students learn that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about earning trust through consistent actions and authentic decision-making.
Upon completion, fellows earn formal recognition for their commitment to leadership excellence, joining a network of purpose-driven leaders prepared to tackle complex global challenges with integrity and cultural fluency.
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This episode was hosted by Graham Richmond and produced by Dennis Crowley. Thanks to all of you who’ve been joining us!
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