Belk College students learn from VIP speakers

Undergraduate students in the Belk College had the opportunity to hear from three distinguished business leaders this fall as part of the college’s VIP speaker series.

• N.C. Treasurer Janet Cowell spoke to four undergraduate classes in September on the role of the Treasurer’s Office, the economic outlook for North Carolina and the impact of the economic downturn and recovery on the state university system and students. An M.B.A. graduate of the Wharton School, Cowell is the first woman to hold the N.C. Treasurer’s post.
• John Allison, retired chairman and CEO of BB&T Corp., spoke to three classes in October, presenting his views on leadership, business ethics and the financial services industry. During Allison’s tenure as CEO, BB&T grew to the 10th-largest financial services holding company headquartered in the U.S.
• Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A, will speak to nearly 600 students on Nov. 15. Among the topics Cathy is expected to discuss are his “management toolbox,” leadership lessons and Chick-fil-A’s highly successful marketing campaigns. According to Chick-fil-A, “Dan chooses to spend the majority of his time traveling to the chain’s growing family of restaurants and interacting with Chick-fil-A’s committed team of restaurant operators and team members. His actions stem from a belief that working in the field provides a clearer understanding of the ever-evolving wants and needs of Chick-fil-A customers.”

“As an urban business school, it’s vital that we give Belk College students access to business leaders who can inform and inspire them,” said Belk College Dean Steve Ott. “We’re grateful to Ms. Cowell, Mr. Allison and Mr. Cathy for sharing their time and insight with us.”