After having a great run in the corporate world, working for great companies like Schweppes, Dr. Pepper, Cadbury, and Southwest Airlines, and reaching the managerial level at many of them, Dr. Clinton Purtell felt he needed to give something back to society. His endless curiosity and a massive appetite for learning led him to the academic space where he found fulfillment as an educator, mentor, and career facilitator. 

Clinton Purtell, Ph.D., is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, Director of External Relations, UNT Frisco/New College at the University of North Texas, and a dear friend. He is passionate about corporate entrepreneurship, early-stage venture strategy, and start-up supply chain strategies. 

In this episode, Dr. Clint shares his experiences in the corporate and entrepreneur space, the reasons why he transitioned into academia, and the biggest challenges and rewards of being at the front in the classroom. We also talk about Dr. Clint’s past as a gamer, where he pictures the future of gaming, esports, and education and how these three can influence each other. 

Resources:

Visit the UNT website: https://frisco.unt.edu/

Connect with Dr. Clint on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpurtell/

Send him an email: clinton.purtell {{at}} unt.edu

or follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cpurtell1

Full Episode Breakdown:

4:21 – Dr. Marc introduces today’s guest, Dr. Clinton Purtell.

8:39 – Dr. Clint remembers his past in the corporate world.

12:01 – The badge of honor. Dr. Clint shares his thoughts on how it feels to help students develop their careers and lives.

13:51 – Dr. Clint talks about the video games he used to play in the old days. 

18:24 – A busy household. Dr. Clint describes his life as a father of five kids, 3 of them playing select travel sports. He also talks about what parenting means to him.

20:19 – Dr. Clint talks about what made him jump into academia.

26:46 – Dr. Clint shares his experiences working with first-generation students and how what he calls the grit factor influences these kids’ performance at UNT.

29:41 – Is about bringing the world into the classroom. Dr. Clint talks about his teaching style. 

34:02 – Dr. Marc and Dr. Clint discuss the future of education, and Dr. Clint shares his thoughts on how gaming and esports influence education. 

37:02 – Dr. Clint talks about how he believes teachers should get ready for the future of education.