UT College of Liberal Arts Honors Scott Cohen with Pro Bene Meritis Award
Dallas (March 17, 2026) — The University of Texas’ College of Liberal Arts has named Scott Cohen, Founder and CEO of CD Wealth Management, as a recipient of the Pro Bene Meritis Award. The award is the college’s highest honor, recognizing alumni whose service and leadership have meaningfully advanced the mission of the college and its students.
A 1993 economics graduate, Cohen works closely with students in the Department of Economics and across the College of Liberal Arts, offering career guidance and industry perspective to students from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines.
“Scott demonstrates how a liberal arts education can shape not only a successful career, but a life defined by mentorship, generosity, and principled leadership,” said Dr. David Sosa, Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
In recent years, Cohen has returned frequently to campus to speak in economics classes, mentor students, and help create internship opportunities for UT students interested in finance and business. He believes the most valuable way alumni can contribute is through time and engagement with students.
“There are many people who can give resources,” Cohen said. “For me, the real difference comes from giving time — mentoring students, being in the classroom, and helping them navigate the transition from college to the real world.”
Through CD Wealth Management and Kestra Financial, he established structured internship programs in partnership with the University that have placed more than 20 UT students in hands-on professional roles, creating a deliberate pathway from the classroom to meaningful opportunities.
“I want students to walk away knowing they can do it when they graduate,” he said. “Life experience, education, and hard work together will guide them — but you have to get started and stay engaged in the process.”
Cohen said his late mother, Carol Gene Cohen, laid the foundation for his commitment to supporting education through service.
“She was a lifelong public school educator,” he said. “She taught history and English as a Second Language, and she was a fierce believer in public education. She taught us to give back, not because we had to but because it was the right thing to do.”
He remains deeply engaged with the University, serving on the UT Economics Advisory Committee, UT Development Board, the Liberal Arts Advisory Council, and the Longhorn Foundation Advisory Council. In addition, he mentors Silver Spurs members and alumni, advises Zeta Beta Tau, and has established two endowed scholarships — one in the College of Education and one supporting Economics students in the College of Liberal Arts.
“Being able to come back and help students along the way has been as gratifying as anything,” he said. “This has been yet another life-changing chapter with the University of Texas.”