We’ll kick off the 2025 Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) with a powerful evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration.
You’ll be welcomed by Darren Henry, Managing Director of Purdue’s Dr. Cornell A. Bell Business Opportunity Program (BOP), and hear remarks that set the tone for an unforgettable week of learning, leadership, and personal growth.
Our keynote speaker is Shawn Taylor—Purdue Board of Trustees member, former Taco Bell and Zaxby’s franchise owner, MLB Houston Astros investor, and passionate advocate for diversity in business. With a dynamic 30-year career spanning public accounting, entrepreneurship, and board leadership, his journey shows what’s possible with hard work, confidence, and a commitment to helping others succeed. He’ll share real stories and advice you can actually use—whether you’re thinking about college, careers, or your next big goal.
This event marks the official start of your ACAP experience. You’ll meet your fellow participants, connect with program leaders, and begin building the network that will support you all week—and far beyond.
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Darren Henry is the Managing Director of the Dr. Cornell A. Bell Business Opportunity Program (BOP) at the Mitch Daniels School of Business on the West Lafayette campus of Purdue University. Mr. Henry is responsible for the recruitment, retention, professional development, and overall success of students within BOP through programming initiatives on campus, as well as partnerships and relationships with educational institutions, alumni, corporations, and community representatives across the country.
Mr. Henry joined the business school in 2007 after completing his MBA from the school in the same year through the BOP program. While completing his MBA, he served as the lead course instructor for MGMT 243, “Contemporary Thought of Minorities in Management.” Through the mentoring and coaching of students enrolled in the course, Mr. Henry formed strong bonds with undergraduate BOP students which led to his desire to run the program. His leadership of undergraduate students in business continues to garner success, and in 2015, BOP set a new program record for graduation rate (approximately 90%). Additionally, Mr. Henry has been recognized for his work with students by multiple organizations including the Nu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (2011 Sankofa Award Recipient), Channel 18 WLFI West Lafayette (2013 Local Trailblazer Award Recipient), INROADS, Inc. (2014 University Partner Award Recipient - Great Lakes Region), the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis (2014 Emerging Leader Award Recipient), and DiversityMBA Magazine (2017 Top 100 Under 50 Emerging Leaders).
Prior to business school, Mr. Henry worked as a consultant for several years in the pharmaceutical industry. Using his participative and transformational leadership styles, Mr. Henry advised clients such as BioPort (Lansing, MI), Schering Plough Products (Manatí, Puerto Rico), and Eli Lilly (Indianapolis, IN) on best practices for validation and qualification processes.
He is a member of the National Black MBA Association, the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, and a board member for the Purdue Black Alumni Organization. In his spare time, Mr. Henry enjoys traveling, reading, and relaxing with his parents at their home. He is an undergraduate alumnus of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
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Shawn Taylor was appointed to the Board of Trustees on July 1, 2022. With a 30 year career as a successful CEO, industry leader, and entrepreneur, Taylor has delivered value in a variety of environments from corporate to fast growing venture backed startups to turnaround situations. He brings diverse business experience with particular expertise in the restaurant and food industry as an owner, developer, and operator of 30+ restaurants in the Taco Bell and subsequently Zaxby’s franchise systems.
With exceptional operational and leadership skills, along with strong financial acumen and a foundation in “Big 5” public accounting, Taylor has been a strategic advisor on franchise operations helping guide businesses to succeed and grow. He was elected to the National Board of Advisors representing the southwest region on Zaxby’s Franchise, LLC’s ZAC Advisory Council and on Taco Bell’s Franchise Management Advisory Council. As a key contributor who builds deep relationships, he has worked closely with Boards and senior management teams on developing solutions to financial, operational, customer service, and growth challenges. He holds leadership roles on a number of Advisory Boards including a U.S. banking franchise, the Finance and Audit Committee for Houston’s Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, the board of directors for the Memorial Hermann Foundation, and the board of directors for Noodles and Company (NDLS) and serves on the audit and nomination, and governance committees.
In 2011, along with a group of leading business leaders, he became a member of the ownership group that acquired the MLB Houston Astros. Subsequent to selling his interest in 2017, he became a special advisor to the Chairman.
A determined and proactive national ambassador for workforce diversity, Taylor is passionate about influencing organizations on the benefit of organizational diversity, and has successfully recruited, coached, and developed minorities to achieve long term success. His involvement in outside community activities and education has also enhanced Zaxby’s and Taco Bell’s brand value.