Leanna Mouton

by Valerie Figueroa

Leanna Mouton’s story is one of determination, passion, and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world. As a proud two-time Texas State Bobcat, her journey from undergraduate to a master of business administration (MBA) candidate has been nothing short of remarkable. Graduating with honors in business management and minoring in communication and honors studies from Texas State University in 2019, she is the embodiment of the Texas State spirit.

During her undergraduate years at the McCoy College of Business at Texas State, Mouton held various leadership roles and was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott as student regent for the Texas State University System, representing the interests of more than 86,000 students and driving meaningful change, systemwide. She also held multiple leadership positions, including roles in housing and residential life, internships at McCoy's Building Supply and The Emerson Group, and active involvement in student organizations like the McCoy College Ambassadors, Student Leadership Board, and the Gold Star Society (formerly known as Student Foundation).

Mouton’s commitment to creating positive change was exemplified by her undergraduate thesis on accessibility and inclusivity in theme park design, which was accepted for publication in the Occidental College Critical Theory and Social Justice Research Journal. The essay, "Accessibility and Inclusivity: Theme Park Design and Operations Present Challenges for Persons with Disabilities," offered valuable insights into creating inclusive environments for disabled guests in the entertainment industry. Her objective was to provide strategies and solutions for consideration by theme park administrators to improve accessibility and the guest experience for disabled patrons worldwide.

Since graduating, Mouton gained valuable experience working in different industries, immersing herself in various roles that shaped her path. She has planned and executed over a dozen large-scale events like the Circle of Change Leadership Experiences, Special Olympics USA Games, Urban Youth Summits, and Unified Cup Events. Motivated by her diverse experiences and a desire for further education, she pursued an MBA at McCoy College.

“I always knew that I wanted to go to graduate school, but it was important for me to gain valuable industry experience first,” Mouton says. “Work experience catapults your ability to make meaningful contributions in the classroom and acquire stronger takeaways from the program.”

Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Working across the United States at places like The White House and Walt Disney World truly opened my eyes to a world of career possibilities and helped gauge my area of focus for graduate school.”

Choosing the McCoy College MBA program was a natural fit for Mouton, given her deep-rooted connection to the university and its unwavering commitment to student success. The program's small cohort size, flexible scheduling, and supportive faculty and staff resonated with her, providing the perfect environment to pursue her academic and professional aspirations. She emphasized the opportunities, support, and sense of community that Texas State provided.

“My experiences have taught me the value of community, responsibility, and the great satisfaction that comes with living out your unique purpose each day,” she says.

Her time at Texas State has shaped her into a person who respects and appreciates the support of those who have come before her and those who walk alongside her. She feels empowered to positively impact future generations, thanks to the skills and experiences she has gained during her time at the university. She takes pride in the recognition of San Marcos as the best college town in Texas and celebrates the McCoy College MBA program's Tier One ranking in CEO Magazine’s 2024 Global MBA Rankings.

“There are so many reasons to love Texas State. I truly missed studying here and couldn’t wait to get back home,” she says.

As a first-generation college student, she was driven by a determination to be the first in her family to obtain the highest level of education. She bears the weight of being the trailblazer in her family's pursuit of higher education — a responsibility she doesn't take lightly. Balancing two jobs in different cities while pursuing her graduate studies full-time is no small feat. It demands unwavering determination and a proactive approach to learning, often requiring early mornings and late nights of study.

Navigating through both significant and minor challenges on a daily basis is part of Mouton's routine. Despite the sacrifices — long commutes, skipping meals, sacrificing personal time, and neglecting home responsibilities — she remains steadfast in her pursuit of success. She acknowledges the difficulty of her path but remains resolute in her commitment to thrive.

In the face of adversity, she draws strength from her determination to create a brighter future for her loved ones and the communities she serves. She approaches each challenge with a smile and a grateful heart, embodying the ethos that "nothing worth it comes easy," as one of her coworkers recently reminded her. Through her relentless strive for excellence, Mouton exemplifies the spirit of first-generation students who strive to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams against all odds.

“As first-generation college students, we are determined to lift as we climb and represent the families, villages, and communities that made us with much honor and pride,” she says. “We are unstoppable, stronger together, and are each destined for greatness.”

Mouton’s experience at Texas State has been transformative. Throughout her academic journey, she seized every opportunity to excel. From serving as a Graduate Instructional Assistant to many professors to working as the Program Assistant for the upcoming Business Communication study abroad program in Europe, she has engaged in experiences that enrich her learning and broaden her perspective. Surrounded by a supportive peer group and dedicated professors, she has found herself in a dynamic learning environment focused on personal and professional development.

Mouton considers her experience with Dr. Floyd Quinn, an associate professor of practice in the Department of Management, expressing profound gratitude for his mentorship and support throughout her academic journey. She attests to the invaluable knowledge and skills she gained from Dr. Quinn's classes. She cites the engaging discussions and real-world applications that characterized each class period. Mouton credits Dr. Quinn for guiding and supporting her during her academic career. His mentorship was instrumental in her success, from her undergraduate thesis project to her graduate school application process.

“Dr. Quinn is truly amazing and has impacted tons of students with his passion for educating and inspiring future change leaders,” she says.

The MBA program has equipped Mouton with the skills, knowledge, and network to pursue her aspirations with confidence. From resilience and endurance to mentorship and career readiness, she credits the program for preparing her for success in her field. Earlier this year, she had the honor of being selected to attend the Ph.D. Project Conference in Chicago, an experience that profoundly impacted her perspective on potential career paths. Immersed in a dynamic environment, the conference provided her with invaluable insights and lessons that could significantly broaden her future impact. Building lasting relationships was a highlight of the event, with Mouton hopeful that these connections will endure for years.

She emphasizes the unique qualities of the MBA program at Texas State. Filled with individuals who recognize and nurture potential, the program challenges students to break free from self-imposed limitations and strive towards their fullest potential. She appreciates the support and encouragement she receives, knowing it plays a crucial role in her development, both in the present and as she looks towards the future.

“I have created a brighter future for myself, and I feel enabled to positively influence the lives of the many generations to come,” she says. “In large part due to the many wonderful experiences I have enjoyed and learned from, as well as the skills that I’ve acquired and continued to develop, during my time at Texas State.”

Mouton’s academic pursuit is equipping her for advancement in fields such as Strategic Business Communications and Operations Management. With a passion for environments encompassing hospitality and tourism, she currently applies her skills in the aviation industry, where she serves thousands of global travelers daily in her customer service role.

As she approaches graduation, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: to create a world of acceptance for individuals with disabilities. Despite her busy schedule, her focus remains on the millions worldwide with disabilities who require exceptional travel services. Recognizing the significant spending power of this community, she believes airlines should prioritize their needs. Motivated by the challenges faced by travelers with disabilities, she aspires to assume roles that empower her to advocate for and implement positive change, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience for all.

Mouton harbors ambitious business ideas aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility. Her vision includes developing integrated employment platforms, accessible social and dating websites, as well as enhancing medical transportation and diverse entertainment options. However, her ultimate goal is to become a non-profit leader dedicated to franchising Morgan's Wonderland, the world's first Ultra-Accessible™, family fun park located in San Antonio, Texas. She envisions expanding this initiative to multiple locations, offering transformative experiences to individuals with special cognitive and physical needs.

“I am a strong advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities because they are all a part of my village of purpose,” she says. “It is why I work every day to create a world of acceptance, opportunity, and friendships for this community.”

Her Texas State experience is a testament to the university's commitment to empowering its students to make a difference, one step at a time. Mouton's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring students, reminding us that with dedication, passion, and the right support system, anything is possible. As the saying goes, "Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat." ✯