David Grant, former president and CEO of Shurgard Storage Centers, Inc, has accepted the two-year position of chair of the Washington State University College of Business National Board of Advisors. His term begins July 1.
“Dave has been a dedicated supporter of the college for years. As a successful business leader, he understands the importance of global competitiveness in our graduates,” said College of Business Dean Eric Spangenberg. “His leadership will be instrumental as the college continues to move forward.”
After graduating with degrees in business and accounting from WSU in 1976, Grant continued to stay involved with the College of Business; initially as a campus recruiter of College of Business accounting graduates, and later as a member on its accounting and real estate advisory boards.
“I have always highly valued the education and experience WSU provided me and feel it established a great long-term foundation for my business career,” Grant said. “But the world has changed substantially since the time I graduated. Today, business is conducted on a global stage and at a very high speed. Having lived and worked overseas for many years, I firmly believe today’s business leaders must not only work effectively across disciplines but across cultures and borders as well.
“I am very impressed with the way the CB has progressively adapted its curriculum to focus on the needs of today’s business students and employers. The CB’s emphasis on international study programs, entrepreneurship programs and an interdisciplinary approach to teaching really positions students to succeed over the long-term in business,” he said. “I am very honored and excited to work with Eric and his faculty along with the other members of the board to help the CB continue its progress on these critical initiatives.”
The National Board of Advisors, comprised of business leaders from around the region and the country, fosters closer ties between the College of Business, its alumni, its students and the business community. In addition to the traditional role of fund raising, the board provides input on education and curriculum to College of Business faculty, and helps to promote employment and internship opportunities for business students.
Grant is the board’s second chair, following President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Scott Carson (’72 business Administration). Carson, who has been a visionary leader for the College of Business, will remain active on the board. His generosity, and that of his family’s, funded the creation of the Scott and Linda Carson Center for Professional Development, which opened in 2005, established the Carson Family Endowed Scholarship Fund, the Carson International Scholars Endowed Fund, and helped to create the Scott and Linda Carson/Boeing Endowed Chair in Marketing, with his wife, Linda.
