COLUMBIA, SC (courtesy ciu.edu) — The “Hot Now” sign will be bright on the campus of Columbia International University (CIU) when former Krispy Kreme executive James Morgan speaks to the student body and assists in the ribbon cutting ceremony of CIU’s new John R. Cook Jr. Business and Entrepreneurship Center, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m.
With over 40 years of business experience, Morgan served as chairman of Krispy Kreme from 2005-2016 and as president and CEO from 2008-2014. He currently serves as chairman of Covenant Capital in Charlotte, North Carolina and serves on the board of directors of Coca-Cola Bottling Consolidated and the board of directors of Lowe’s Home Improvement. Morgan has also served as chairman and CEO of Wachovia Securities and chairman and CEO of the securities firm Interstate/Johnson Lane, Inc. Before going into business, Morgan was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.
Morgan will be on hand as CIU’s Business & Organizational Leadership academic program gets a big boost with the opening of the John R. Cook Jr. Business and Entrepreneurship Center. The Center was made possible through a generous donation by CIU Trustee Lynn Cook in honor of her husband and his contributions to his family and business, Cook’s Pest Control of Decatur, Alabama.
The Center features “Launch,” a cutting-edge resource facility offering students vocational training beyond the classroom as they collaborate with local businesses and ministries on projects that will benefit both the organizations and the students. In addition, Launch will house an on-campus business incubator, a video-equipped interview skills training room, conference rooms for seminars and workshops, and internship and job placement opportunities.
“We’re excited to bring Columbia area businesses and entrepreneurs to CIU,” said Dr. Scott Adams, director of CIU’s Business & Organizational Leadership program. “It’s our hope to assist the business community in their success, as together we make the Midlands of South Carolina a center for strong commerce.”
Morgan will first speak to the student body during an 11 a.m. Chapel service in Shortess Chapel, followed by the noon ribbon cutting ceremony at the John R. Cook Jr. Business and Entrepreneurship Center located at rear of the campus.
