Director of Real Estate Programs Took to Field Early

Dr. Randall S. Guttery felt the excitement of his first real estate deal right after he graduated from college.

“I wanted to own a property, so I bought a condo,” said Guttery, who rented out his new property.

He was hooked.

That deal began a 30-year real estate career. Guttery, who became the Naveen Jindal School of Management’s director of real estate programs in September, brings a wealth of in-the-field and academic experience to UT Dallas.

Guttery continues to buy and sell properties and serves as a special commissioner in Denton County, hearing eminent domain cases. He led the real estate and financial planning programs at the University of North Texas for 18 years before joining UT Dallas.

The avid Dallas Stars fan and father of two college students said he was excited about the chance to build the school’s new and growing real estate program.

“I am convinced this is going to be the next Tier One research university in Texas, and I want to be a part of it,” he said.

Dr. Hasan Pirkul, dean of the Naveen Jindal School of Management and Caruth Chair of Management, said UT Dallas is lucky to have an expert with Dr. Guttery’s credentials.

“Dr. Guttery has the academic and practical experience to help the Jindal School of Management become a top training ground for tomorrow’s real estate professionals,” Pirkul said.

Guttery holds two bachelor's degrees in risk management and finance from The University of Texas at Austin, a master's degree in finance from Louisiana State University and a doctorate in finance from the University of Connecticut.

Guttery — who works closely with George DeCourcy, the program’s associate director — has big goals for JSOM’s real estate degree concentration.

“I want the students and UT Dallas employees and, most importantly, industry, to see us as the premier real estate program in the region,” Guttery said. “I think what the industry is going to like best about our program is how work-ready our students are going to be.”

One goal is to coordinate with the Texas Real Estate Commission so that students will be eligible for the licensing exam upon graduation. The school offers the latest technology, a scholarship fund and a 90-member Real Estate Club that hosts speakers and tours. The courses, primarily offered at night, also aim to attract professionals looking for advanced training.

Enrollment has nearly doubled – to 300 – from 2011 to 2012 and should exceed 450 in 2013. The school plans to add an undergraduate law and contracts course this fall.

Guttery emphasized that real estate courses aren’t just for business majors.

“Most people will spend more of their disposable income on mortgages or rent than anything else in their lives,” Guttery said. “If students can fit just the basic principles of real estate in their curriculum, which is offered every semester, it will be one of the best four-month investments they ever make.”