Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise

The Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise was established for the purpose of promoting and developing an increased understanding of free enterprise to make students and area residents more knowledgeable about the economic forces which shape their lives and the well being of this country. The Chair also emphasizes the appropriate relationship between government and business in a free society and has an impact not only upon the students at MTSU but also upon the regional community.

The Chair of Free Enterprise seeks to provide opportunities for the campus and middle Tennessee communities to dialog with individuals of national and international reputation. We invite a wide spectrum of persons whose accomplishments are well known and whose presence with us will enrich our academic and cultural experiences.

The Jones Chair is funded by a $1,250,000 endowment from private and public sources. Donors to the Chair include H. Lynn Greer, Jr.; Bob Parks; and the families of the late Reese L. Smith, Jr., and B. Frank Womack. Jennings A. Jones is the Chair's major benefactor.

Ambassador Joe M. Rodgers was the inaugural chairholder of the Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise.

Mr. Aubrey B. Harwell, Jr., was named the second chairholder on August 1, 2002.  Aubrey is managing partner of the Nashville law firm of Neal and Harwell and has an exemplary record as civic activist and fundraiser.

The Free Enterprise Chair is primarily focused on public service. The following are events hosted for the year 2002-2003:

	The annual Fall Economic Outlook Conference was held October 8, 2003 co-hosted by The Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise, the Business and Economic Research Center, the Weatherford Chair of Finance and First Tennessee Bank with special guest speaker, Federal Reserve Board Governor, Dr. Susan S. Bies.  Dr. Donald Ratajczak, Regent’s Professor of Economics Emeritus, Georgia State University presented the annual luncheon address.
	The Jennings A. Jones Champion of Free Enterprise Award was presented to Jack Turner, CLU, ChFC.  The award recognizes a person whose outstanding career also exemplifies the ideals of free enterprise through any combination of entrepreneurship, governmental involvement, participation in civic and charitable affairs and education.  Members of the Middle Tennessee Chambers of Commerce nominate award candidates from their own membership.
	Mr. Aubrey Harwell, chairholder, Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise, delivered a presentation entitled “Leadership and Philanthropy” at the MTSU Leadership Essentials:  Improving Your Leadership Potential seminar held on November 14, 2003 at World Outreach Church co-sponsored by the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, the Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise and the Jennings and Rebecca Jones Chair of Excellence in Urban and Regional Planning.
	On November 21, the Jennings A. Jones College of Business Fall Entrepreneurship Seminar was held which included guest speakers – Scott, Jones – “Managing Growth without Becoming Overwhelmed”, Mike Sparks – “Realtors-The Client’s Expectations” and Terry Haynes – “Effective Family Business Strategies”. This event is tailored for students (Entrepreneurship majors and minors) and gives them an opportunity to participate in seminars conducted by experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals.
	Supported the 3rd annual “Committed to Kids Expo”.  The goal of the Committed to Kids Expo is to bring families together, to entertain, to teach children and families about safety, and to provide quality of life information from participating businesses and community organizations.
	The Chair hosted the 13th annual Executives-in-Residence program on campus on April 2, 2004. (Executives take over classes across campus and share their work experiences with our students.)
	Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award was presented to former Governor Winfield Dunn.  This award is presented to an accomplished businessperson who has demonstrated the best of the Spirit of America through contributions in government, civic organizations, charitable organizations and/or education.
	The chair in partnership with Keith Phillips and James T. Griscom, Morgan Stanley, hosted a breakfast meeting featuring Mark A. Emkes, Chairman and CEO, Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., and Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC, on April 22, 2004. On April 16,  the Jennings A. Jones College of Business Spring Entrepreneurship Seminar was held which included guest speakers – Dr. Ed Galindo – “The Treasure Hunt”, Ms. Susan Freeman Binkley – “Finding Money in Strange Places” and Greg Driver – “Gold Mines Waiting to be Discovered.”