FAU College of Business Honors Former Ambassador
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business awarded former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad with the Dean’s Distinguished Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership during a recent Phil Smith Center for Free Enterprise forum.
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business awarded former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad with the Dean’s Distinguished Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership during a recent Phil Smith Center for Free Enterprise forum.
“I am honored to have received this award for entrepreneurial leadership and to speak with the students about my years serving as Iowa’s governor and the U.S. ambassador to China,” Branstad said. “Entrepreneurship helped build this country and is critically important for our future.”
Siri Terjesen, Ph.D., associate dean of research in the College of Business, presented the award, which is typically reserved for business leaders or community leaders who have contributed to free market principles either by sharing strategy and insight or by supporting policy that makes it easier to do business.
“The College of Business was honored to present former Gov. Branstad with this award for outstanding entrepreneurial leaders,” Terjesen said. “Branstad is truly one of the greatest statesmen in United States history. We were pleased to hear the many engaging stories of his service in Iowa and China based on excellent questions from students in the class.”
Branstad discussed his time as governor, as well as the state of U.S. relations with China, and state policy decisions during an open forum with students. The Phil Smith Center also held a lunch in honor of Branstad, inviting prominent South Florida figures and faculty, such as former Palm Beach County Mayor Robert Weinroth; Kevin Cox , director of the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship; Mark Mallon, Ph.D., assistant professor of international business; Joseph Patton, DBA, senior instructor in the management department; and Bjørn-Tore Flåten, Ph.D., a visiting professor from Norway.
Branstad spent three terms in the Iowa House of Representatives before being elected governor of Iowa for two separate terms. He served as the president of Des Moines University and later was nominated to be U.S. ambassador to China in 2017.
“Branstad aligns perfectly with Phil Smith's core principles. His decorated career in both the public and private sectors reflects his unflinching work ethic and dedication to the preservation of American ingenuity,” said Andrew Garrison, director of the Phil Smith Center. “Students were eager to hear about his keys to success, which shows there is still a thirst to understand free enterprise principles among the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
The Phil Smith Center, named in honor of well-known South Florida business leader Phil Smith, advances thought leadership in business by supporting chaired professorships, research and educational programs for faculty members and students. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni named the Phil Smith Center as an Oasis of Excellence in 2020.
-FAU-
Latest News Desk
- FAU Jumps in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 List of Top UniversitiesFlorida Atlantic University made considerable gains in the U.S. News & World Report list of "Top Public Schools," moving up to No. 103 from No. 112 in this year's ranking of the nation's best universities.
- FAU's ADHUS, FAU High Named 2024 National Blue Ribbon SchoolThe U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today announced Florida Atlantic University's A.D. Henderson University School (ADHUS) and FAU High School as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024.
- Deeper Corals May Help Shallow Reefs Recover in the Florida KeysUsing genomic DNA analyses, FAU Harbor Branch researchers have uncovered vital links between coral populations at different depths. Deeper corals may help replenish declining shallow reefs in the Florida Keys.
- FAU Expert: Unrealized Losses Drop as Banks Offload SecuritiesU.S. banks are enjoying some relief as unrealized losses on their investment securities decreased in light of dropping interest rates, according to a data analysis from a finance expert at FAU.
- FAU/Mainstreet Poll: Harris Edges TrumpA new national poll from the Florida Atlantic University PolCom Lab and Mainstreet Research USA shows U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris with a narrow lead over former U.S. President Donald Trump.
- Play it Forward: Lasting Effects of Pretend Play in Early ChildhoodA renowned FAU psychologist highlights the robust benefits of pretend play and learning through play and cautions how modern society is ignoring the best way to educate young children.