William L. Giles' tenure as president of Mississippi State University, 1966-76, encompassed one of the most turbulent times in the nation's, and higher education's, history. It was a time that called for resolve and dignified leadership, and the unobtrusive botanist from Arkansas turned out to be just the man for the job.
When Davis Mortensen left Mississippi State in 1956 with degree in hand, he had no career plan. He only knew that he wanted to succeed. He never imagined himself being in the position he is today -- executive vice president of Georgia-Pacific, with responsibility for half of the Fortune 500 company's 52,000 employees and its building products division.
Updated and adapted by Chris Brown <brownc@ur.msstate.edu>.
For questions or information about this page, contact Bennet George.
For information about Mississippi State University, contact msuinfo@ur.msstate.edu.
Last modified: .
URL: http://
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution.