Alumnus Named New Chair of University’s Development Board

The UT Dallas Development Board has appointed Mike Brodie BS’76 as its new chair, leading the group's efforts to promote the University in the community.

“As a graduate and neighbor of UT Dallas, the University has influenced my life for a number of years,” said Brodie, broker/owner at Keller Williams Realty and 2017 Distinguished Alumnus. “Now, it is time for me to give back to the University that did so much for me.”

An industry leader for more than 40 years, Brodie and his partners opened the Plano office of Keller Williams Realty in 1997. Since inception, he has served as broker/owner, expanding his duties to include operating principal in 2013. He also holds the operating principal role in the Maryland/D.C. region.

Brodie is active in the local community, volunteering his time and expertise with organizations such as the Lone Star Chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Greater Dallas United Way, Emily's Place and the Plano Chamber of Commerce.

Brodie’s appointment was approved at the annual fall board meeting on Sept. 7. He replaces Phil Ritter, chief operating officer at Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute and Dallas County Community College District trustee, who has served as board chair since 2010.

“During my affiliation with UT Dallas, I have witnessed a great evolution across campus,” said Ritter, who joined the board in 2008. “With tremendous growth, innovative research and exceptional students, it has been a privilege for me to advocate for this institution.”

During his tenure as chair, Ritter was instrumental in many University initiatives, notably Project Emmitt — one of the most significant economic development projects supported by the state of Texas. The project resulted in the building of the Natural Science and Engineering Research Laboratory (NSERL) at UT Dallas and a $50 million allocation from the Texas Enterprise Fund to support research programs within the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science.

In addition to serving as board chair during the University’s first comprehensive campaign, Ritter was also a member of the leadership council for Realize the Vision: The Campaign for Tier One and Beyond. The effort exceeded a $200 million goal, raising more than $273 million for scholarships, fellowships and endowed faculty positions, and accelerated UT Dallas’ progress toward becoming a world-class research university.

“A longtime supporter, Phil has been a champion for the University,” said Dr. Kyle Edgington PhD’13, vice president of development and alumni relations. “We look forward to using the momentum generated over the past nine years to expand the efforts of the board under Mike’s very capable direction.”

Ritter will transition to life member status on the board.

Additionally, the board welcomed a new member, the Honorable Maurine Dickey, vice president of community relations and legislative affairs at Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants Inc., chair of the Boots and Barbecue Foundation. She served two terms as a Dallas County Commissioner from 2005 to 2013.

“The University is grateful for the committed efforts of such a dynamic group,” Edgington said. “The Development Board, led by one of our own, will be a significant resource as we look to the future.”