DBU Leadership Gala

Monday, November 4, 2024 
Chantilly Ballroom, Hilton Anatole Hotel
6:00 p.m. - General Reception
7:00 p.m. - Dinner and Program
Dinner Chair: Dr. David B. Walls

Since 1898, DBU has produced servant leaders whose heart is to transform the world and strengthen their communities. To that end, DBU seeks to honor those whose lives reflect the values that the University holds dear. Established in 1988, the annual DBU Leadership Gala seeks to honor individuals who use their God-given talents and abilities to excel in their chosen field of work and whose lives are testimonies of achievements in free enterprise and service to the community through the Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award and the Tom Landry Leadership Award.

Please consider becoming a sponsor of this year’s DBU Leadership Gala in order to provide scholarship funds to DBU students as they pursue Christ-centered quality higher education.

For questions regarding the event, please contact Bobby Soto at bobby@dbu.edu or (214) 333-6894.

2024 Honorees

Ron Carter
Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award

Advancing the legacy of faith, family, and free enterprise, Ron Carter is the epitome of all the ideals that the Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award signifies. From humble beginnings as a stocker at Home Interior & Gifts, Inc., the business his grandmother, the late Mary Crowley founded, to being named Chief Operating Officer, it is the values of hard work, dedication to Christ, and philanthropy that have marked his life. Ron also served in numerous leadership positions within the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Sidekicks, franchises founded by his parents, Don and Linda Carter.

From Vice President of the Crowley-Carter Foundation to numerous board appointments, including Baylor Scott & White Health, Scottish Rite for Children, and Mary Crowley Cancer Research, Ron’s impact in the community and service to others will be felt for generations to come. Ron and his wife, Wanda, have two adult sons, Clint and Lee. Wanda previously served on the DBU Board of Trustees, and his son, Lee, is a DBU graduate.

Ron Skaggs
Tom Landry Leadership Award

Architecture pioneer, servant leader, and distinguished service member are just a few of the hallmarks of this year’s Tom Landry Leadership Award honoree, Ron Skaggs. From serving as an officer in the U.S. Army Surgeon General’s Office in the Pentagon to a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects to being a member of the Corp of Cadets Hall of Honor at his alma mater, Ron’s exceptional leadership to his country, profession, and his fellow man, reinforces his commitment to integrity, character, and others.

Ron and his wife, Sondra, have been dear friends and supporters of DBU for many years, including his service on the DBU Board of Trustees. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of HKS Architects and is now Chairman Emeritus at HKS. HKS designed Joan and Andy Horner Ballpark, the Home of our very own DBU Patriots Baseball team. The Skaggs are longtime members of Prairie Creek Baptist Church in Plano, where he has faithfully served this church body in various ministries over the years, including as a Deacon. The Skaggs have three adult sons, David, Stephen, and Jeffrey as well as seven grandchildren: Kyle, a DBU graduate, Mark, a current DBU student, Samantha, Chase, Trey, Shane, and Jack.