DENTON (UNT), Texas — Four leading business executives will relate first-hand knowledge of the business world to University of North Texas students this fall as part of the annual College of Business Distinguished Speaker Series.

The series, which is free and open to the public, begins Sept. 18 (Friday) and will feature two speeches and one panel discussion. All presentations will take place from 10 – 11:30 a.m. in Room 080 of the Business Leadership Building. The speakers and panelists in this iteration of the series include:

• Sept. 18 (Friday): James Fripp, senior director of global diversity and inclusion of Yum! Brands, which operates several licensed brands, including Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.
• Oct. 23 (Friday): Jack Kearney Sr., managing director of Dallas-based Dumas Capital Partners
• Nov. 13 (Friday): Finance and Banking Panel, featuring Christina Kitchens, executive vice president and managing group director of Community Trust Bank Energy Finance, and Michael Robnett, president of Texas Capital Bank in Plano. The panel will be moderated by Kevin Fralicks, executive director of development at the UNT College of Business.

The speakers will discuss the ups and downs of the business world, their experiences as leaders in their companies and what tools students need to be successful in the work place.

"The focus of the series is to give the students an insight into the business world," said Tasha Wells, director of events at the College of Business. "So, when they cross the stage with their UNT degree's they are equipped with the tools and business acumen needed to be successful in their careers."

The speakers will also address some of the technical and practical aspects of the modern business environment, covering topics including logistics, resume and interview tips, marketing and how to overcome obstacles in the workplace.

"The speakers will talk about the good, the bad and the ugly," Wells said.

Students may participate in question-and-answer sessions with the speakers after every presentation.

Wells said the series is not only a benefit to the students, but to the entire Denton community.

"These lectures give our students the opportunity to engage with business executives and business executives the opportunity to engage with the College of Business."

For more information on the Distinguished Speaker Series and to see previous speakers in the series, visit the College of Business website.

About UNT's College of Business

With more than 5,500 students, UNT's College of Business is one of the largest business schools in the nation and has been continuously accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International since 1961.

With 105 full-time faculty members, the college offers 18 undergraduate degrees, 22 master's degrees, seven doctoral programs and 17 certificate programs. Two centers and institutes in the College of Business create synergy among scholarship, research and teaching. Classes take place in the 180,000-square-foot Business Leadership Building, which opened in 2011.

Students enhance their learning experience through student organizations, study abroad programs, internships and the Professional Leadership Program to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's technological and global business environment.