LAKELAND (Sept. 5, 2012) – John Allison, former CEO of BB&T Corporation, brought his message of the values that governed his company to the first Convocation of the 2012-2013 year. Allison told the students and faculty gathered that leaders have a set of principles that turn purpose into action.

“These are practical habits that enable us to live, be successful, and achieve happiness. They enable us to achieve our mission and core purpose,” he said.

Allison outlined 10 principles that BB&T, the 10th largest financial services holding company in the United States, had used to guide their employees. Among them are productivity, honesty, fairness, pride, and teamwork. He urged his audience to have mental discipline and to examine themselves to determine what they believe.

Allison became president of BB&T in 1987 and was elected Chairman and CEO in July 1989. During his tenure as CEO, BB&T grew from $4.5 billion to $152 billion in assets. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a B.S. degree in business administration. Allison received his master’s degree in management from Duke University and has received honorary doctorate degrees from Clemson University and other schools.

In March 2009, Allison joined the faculty of Wake Forest University Schools of Business as Distinguished Professor of Practice. In June, he was designated to become the next head of the Cato Institute, a libertarian policy organization in Washington.

Also at Convocation, six members of the FSC men’s swimming team received their rings as national champions in individual and relay events at the 2012 Division II National Championship. They are: Miguel Ferreira, Allan Gutierrez, Jeb Halfacre, Bruce Janzen, Luis Rojas, and Stephen Swan.

Convo Encore

• September 11, 2 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
• September 12, 10:40 a.m.