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Steve DeGroat, Secretary

Steve DeGroat

J. Steve DeGroat is a native of El Paso and attended Burges High School. He then went on to receive his higher education from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Early on, DeGroat knew he wanted to pursue a career in business, and once he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1972, he immediately went to work at Southwest National Bank in El Paso as a management trainee.

He went on to receive his MBA from UTEP in 1975. DeGroat is the longtime owner of Lincoln Financial Advisors’ El Paso branch, a financial planning firm. He currently serves as the chairman of the board for the YMCA, president of Ronald McDonald House and the Sun Bowl Association, and currently as chairman of El Paso Health.

Giving back is a way to pay back those who helped me in my growth, development, and education.

Steve DeGroat

“Once I got involved in community activities, more and more opportunities came my way and I was enriched by my participation.” J. Steve DeGroat is one of four recipients of UTEP’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020, an annual award presented by the Alumni Association to recognize the success and hard work of the institution’s alumni.