More than a Career: Alumnus Shannen Smith Carries Servant Leadership into His Role at EP Wealth Advisors

Applying the idea that success is about more than simply building a career, a value instilled by the Don and Linda Carter School of Business, Dallas Baptist University alumnus Shannen Smith '12, '15 now serves as Vice President and Financial Advisor at EP Wealth Advisors.

One day during his senior year of high school, Shannen found himself driving onto the DBU campus for a brief stop. As soon as he drove through the front gates of the University and began driving towards the top of University Hill, Shannen instantly felt at home.

Officially becoming a Patriot, Shannen quickly involved himself on University Hill, serving as a student worker, a SWAT co-leader, and with the Basketball team during his freshman year. Shannen was also a member of the Student Government Association, the Christian Association of Student Leaders (CASL), and was the founding president of Tau Alpha Phi.

Beyond campus, Shannen joined the Dallas Mavericks Hoop Troop, a group that rallies the fans during games and provides community outreach. During this time, he took part in the 2011 championship run and parade, and met Don and Linda Carter, who became a source of encouragement to him as he finished his degree.

While attending DBU, Shannen formed meaningful mentorships and lifelong friendships that have stayed with him beyond graduation. Shannen shares how one professor in particular, Dr. Sandra Reid, Professor of Business Management in the Don and Linda Carter School of Business, made a significant impact, becoming a mentor who continually encouraged him to succeed in his studies and career.

After graduating with his B.S., and later, his M.B.A. from DBU, Shannen continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating from the Securities Industry Institute at the Wharton School, and completing Certified Financial Planner (CFP) coursework through Southern Methodist University. As Shannen pursued further studies, he remained motivated by the idea of increasing his knowledge to better care for his clients. "The more knowledgeable I can become, the better I can serve the families who trust me with important financial decisions," Shannen shares.

Throughout his career, Shannen has held various roles in financial services and wealth management. At the beginning of his career, Shannen served as the Director of two Dallas-Fort Worth campuses for DBU, including DBU North, where he oversaw financial management, development, strategic growth, and daily operations. In addition, he directed corporate educational partnerships for the University and served as a representative of DBU throughout the North Texas business community.

Transitioning to a role at Sloan Investment Management, Shannen was responsible for managing relationships with Charles Schwab branches and executives, coordinating Request for Proposal (RFP) submissions for foundations and endowments, serving on the firm's portfolio management team, and implementing key operational and reporting enhancements.

As the current Vice President and Financial Advisor at EP Wealth Advisors in Dallas, TX, Shannen continues to serve his colleagues, individual clients, and families as they make financial decisions about investments, retirement, tax planning, and estate planning. "I get the opportunity to know families well, help them navigate important decisions, and hopefully, make a meaningful difference in their lives over many years," he says.

Shannen shares that the most rewarding part of his role is the relationships created with those he serves. Attributing this mindset to the Carter School of Business' emphasis on success being more than just what you build in a career, Shannen highlights how "it is about how you treat people, how you serve others, and the integrity you bring to your work."

The emphasis on faith, relationships, and servant leadership stayed with Shannen during his time as a student at DBU, and is now something that remains with him each day of his career as he interacts with every colleague and client he meets.

Reflecting on his life and career, Shannen highlights his greatest accomplishment as marrying his wife, Kelly, and getting to raise their three kids. He points out how his proudest professional accomplishment would be helping to double the size of Sloan Wealth Management, the company where he began his career. "Getting to grow alongside the firm, take on greater responsibility, and help build something alongside people I respect has been incredibly rewarding," he shares.

Beyond his career, Shannen has served as a member of DBU's Leadership Gala Committee for eight years, helping to raise scholarship funds and honor distinguished leaders such as Clark Hunt, Ron Skaggs, and the Carter family.

Looking ahead, Shannen is grateful for all that he learned as a student in DBU's Carter School of Business, as well as throughout his career. To current and incoming Patriots, he encourages them to continue pursuing their passions, be curious as they learn more about those passions, and serve those around them as they pursue success.