DBU REPORT 4 NEWS & NOTES Texas Baptist photo JOHN AUSTIN EARLES ‘19: Noble Roofing FLIGHT OF A LIFETIME: How DBU Shaped Alumnus Rob Hahn ’03 Rob Hahn grew up in Tyler, Texas, with a passion for aviation and a desire to pursue a business degree that would prepare him for a future in the industry. Although he visited universities across the country, he prayed for a school that aligned with both his professional goals and a Christ-centered education. Then, in what he describes as divine intervention, he began receiving information from a university he had never heard of—Dallas Baptist University. Intrigued by its location in a city home to two major airlines, Rob visited campus and immediately sensed something different. DBU stood out for its warm community and welcoming spirit. “From the moment I stepped onto campus, I felt it was the right place for me,” he recalls. Once on campus, Rob immersed himself in student life, forming lifelong friendships and serving as a student worker in various departments. These roles allowed him to invest in students just as DBU faculty had invested in him. During his junior year, the tragic events of 9/11 shook the aviation industry, leaving little hope for students aspiring to work for an airline. However, by his senior year, Southwest Airlines began hiring, and Rob received a full-time offer at their Dallas Corporate Headquarters, an opportunity he believes was God’s provision and perfect timing. What followed has truly been, in his words, “the flight of a lifetime.” He has served in various leadership roles and now works as a consultant, helping individuals and teams grow. “‘Growing up’ at Southwest under President Emeritus Colleen Barrett taught me to lead with heart and that genuine care builds trust, belonging, and unleashes people’s full potential,” he reflects. DBU shaped his understanding of servant leadership, humility, and community, values he carries into his professional and personal life. “Sometimes I still have to pinch myself,” he says. “The fact that my hobby of aviation and travel is my actual job.” Guided by the Lord and professors from DBU and the Carter School of Business, John Austin Earles ’19 has drawn on his Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics to build his own business from the ground up. After learning about DBU through an alumnus, John Austin was inspired by the University’s commitment to strengthening faith. He describes choosing DBU as “one of the best decisions” he has made, explaining that his professors “weren’t just great teachers, they really shaped how I think and lead.” While at DBU, John Austin was deeply involved in campus life, serving as President of Student Government, participating in Tau Alpha Phi, PPE Society, and Omicron Delta Kappa, and working multiple on-campus jobs. Through the Global Studies program, he also traveled internationally, noting that these experiences “expanded my perspective and deepened my appreciation for different cultures.” After graduation, John Austin worked as a project estimator for a large commercial roofing company, contributing to more than $40 million in commercial projects. In 2024, he launched Noble Roofing with a vision to honor God while serving others with excellence. He shares that the journey has “been deeply rewarding” and that he has “loved the process of creating something that reflects my values.” Noble Roofing partners with ministries including Homes for HOPE, the Mighty Oaks Foundation, and EveryVillage, even building ministry huts in South Sudan. The company also provides a personalized Bible at the end of every project, which John Austin calls their “way of sharing what matters most to us.” John Austin credits professors Dr. Justin Gandy and Dr. Ross O’Brien with shaping his understanding of “Business as Mission,” saying, “The Carter School of Business didn’t just teach me how to manage or lead, it helped shape the way I live out my purpose through business.” Now married to his wife Kenna ’20, and recently becoming parents, John Austin reflects that DBU laid a foundation that continues to shape his faith, family, and calling.
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