Retired Gen. Colin L. Powell will deliver the keynote speech for the second annual Leadership Summit hosted by the College of Business and Industry and Academic Outreach and Continuing Education Sept. 23 and 24.
In addition to Powell’s keynote speech on Sept. 24, there will be 15 conference speakers. These speakers will lead panel discussions and break-out sessions on topics related to the summit’s theme of high-definition leadership.
Associate dean for the College of Business and Industry Barbara Spencer said high definition leadership has a two-fold meaning.
“Like in the television industry, HD means change or die – you’ve absolutely got to,” Spencer said. “But a second meaning that might be even more important for executives, even if you’re a very successful company or a very successful person right now, is the things that you’re doing today are not the same things that are going to get you where you want to be tomorrow.”
Plans for the Leadership Summit began two years ago as a way to promote the College of Business and Industry, Spencer said.
“We wanted to put together an event that would bring business people from around the state and the region back to campus to hear great speakers and to keep on learning,” she said.
Anthony Lowe, manager of program development at AOCE, said the summit is expected to have more than 250 participants.
Smith said this year has already out-sold last year’s summit.
While most registered participants are from Mississippi or surrounding areas, Spencer said there are guests from as far as California.
Spencer said that several thousand people would be present for the keynote speech.
Free tickets to the keynote speech were available to students, faculty and staff August 26 through 29. Ticket sales were opened to the public Tuesday and are expected to continue through Today.
Lowe said that general admission tickets may be purchased through Friday at the Humphrey Coliseum or online through the Leadership Summit’s Web site.
He said there is no limit on purchasing tickets.
Those wishing to attend the speech must purchase tickets prior to the event. There will not be tickets sold at the door due to issues of security and overcrowding.
Gen. Powell was chosen as the keynote speaker primarily because of his notability, Spencer said.
“We chose him because of the respect that everybody has for him,” she said.
Lowe said Powell was a clear choice because of the summit’s theme.
“When you think about HD leadership, one of the most respected leaders in our recent nation history is Powell. He was our ideal person to end a summit dealing with leadership,” Lowe said.
Samantha Musil, assistant director of the Colvard Student Union and chair of the Global Lecture Series, said that Campus Activities Board is also assisting with the program by helping with ticket distribution and promotion.
Musil said she thinks Powell’s presence on campus will be significant.
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity. Powell is a great man who has made history and will be talked about for years to come,” she said.
Having Powell on campus during an election year could also be an important reminder for students, Musil said.
“With the elections coming up, it’s important for students to be informed and involved,” she said.
One highlight of the summit is the distinguished leaders panel discussion, Spencer said.
“We are bringing in five really successful business leaders from around the country,” Spencer said.
The five leaders are Richard Adkerson, CEO of Freeport Mc-MoRan, Ralph Crosby, CEO of European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company North America, Victor Hu Meena, CEO of Cellular South, Jim Newsome, CEO of New York Mercantile Exchange and Carolyn Shanks, senior vice president of Enexus Energy Corporation.
There will also be afternoon workshops specifically held for certain business groups, Spencer said.
“They’re targeted to meet people with different needs,” she said.
Groups include business executives, small business owners and management development.
Spencer said funding for the summit comes from registered participants, ticket sales, golf scramble registrations and sponsorships from both the university and corporations.
Sophomore computer engineering major Zach Thornton said he plans to attend Powell’s speech.
“Having Powell on campus clearly shows the significance of his message,” Thornton said.