HBCUs have produced some of the leading visionaries in business and finance, and in lean economic times, they bear an increased burden in support for their alma maters. Business leaders from Alabama State University, Fayetteville State University and Florida A&M University, recently took time to offer their thoughts on success, HBCU philanthropy, and advice for emerging entrepreneurs for a special three-part series on entrepreneurship and the historically black college.
Deborah Scott Thomas is the founder, president and CEO of Data Solutions & Technology Inc. and is an alumnus of Alabama State University. She is the member of several boards and organizations, is among the founding organizers of the annual Alabama State University Entrepreneur Conference, and was the first ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award winner at the inaugural HBCU Awards in March 2011.
How did your time at Alabama State influence your business aspirations?
I had outstanding role models! They helped me to hone 4 crucial leadership elements: Character, Perspective, Courage, and Favor.
First: Character… President Levi Watkins embodied Character — Character enables us to do what is right even when it seems difficult. When I was a student and employee of ASU, President Watkins stopped by my desk. At this time, I worked for Ms. Anne Pickens in the Accounting Office. President Watkins told me that he had noticed the smile on my face as I worked, and the way I stayed in my workspace during work hours…which showed that I had Character and that it would serve me well in my future endeavors.
Second: Perspective…From the College of Business Administration, Mr. Lightfoote and Arthur Barnett personified Perspective — Perspective enables us to understand what must happen to reach a goal. Lightfoote and Barnett’s philosophy in life was to keep students in good standings to earn their BS degrees. I can hear Mr. Barnett saying right now in our Marketing class, Ms. Duncan: In giving a presentation, Keep it Sweet and Simple. Stay on point!
Third: Courage…Lt Col Clarence Holloway and Captain David Bass instilled Courage—Courage enables us to initiate and take risks…to step out toward a worthy goal. When I came to Alabama State University, the United States Air Force started the ROTC Program. I was one of the first African American students to enroll. Through this program I learned the principles of leadership and 3 core values: 1) Integrity first; 2) Service before self; and 3) Excellence in all you do. As a student, I had the opportunity of meeting General Chappie James, one of the first Tuskegee Airman and the first African American 4 star general. He told our ROTC class to stay ahead of the game by always being prepared — because as an African American you will only get one chance. I received my commission as a 2nd Lt from Detachment 019. I protected and served our country for 31 years and retired as a Colonel.
And Fourth: Favor…Arthur Glass and Soror Thelma Glass gained Favor— Favor enables us to attract and empower others to join us in the cause. I was Mr. Glass’ work study student in the Biology Department. Mr. Glass always emphasized the importance of using your head, hands, and heart in living a healthy life. Soror Glass was my History instructor. She taught us to remember our history… embrace it… and make a better life for others by giving back.
In a down economy with specific hardship for communities of color, you’ve positioned yourself as an outgoing philanthropist and supporter of HBCU culture. What specific elements of culture at historically black colleges and universities are most important to you, and earn your giving?
HBCUs build on the African American culture and history. For instance, in classes at HBCUs students learn about the influence and contributions of people of color in the United States and abroad. Students discover the beauty and proud legacy of our culture and oftentimes this foundation makes all the difference in being confident and successful in future endeavors and aspirations.
Therefore, we find it critical to continue to help educational institutions, such as my alma mater, Alabama State University, and Bowie State University (BSU), which is in close proximity to our headquarters, grow and cultivate productive citizens. Moreover, I encourage all alumni to give of your time and finances back to your institutions, especially our HBCUs!
What were some of the obstacles you encountered in the early days of starting your business? How were you able to overcome them?
When I started Data Solutions & Technology in 1994, I had a specific vision in mind: Create a consulting company that provided outstanding customer services. I dreamed of a company that was built on the 3 R’s: Respect, Reputation, and Reliability.
In the midst of challenges that I faced in the early stages of growing DST, I remained focused on building a reliable company that was known for its integrity and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Talk a little about your personal background. What motivated you to attend an HBCU, and how did your experiences there match-up with your motivation prior to coming to the ASU campus?
My roots begin in the beautiful state of Alabama where my family were farmers. I am the fifth of seven children, having three brothers and three sisters. Even though we lost our father early in life, he had a tremendous impact on our lives. My mother instilled in me and my siblings a solid foundation – courage, giving, sharing, being the best we could be, compassion, and strength of character. Two of my mother’s favorite principles of life, which I have always used as touchstones, are:
1. Put God first in your life, and all will be given to you!
2. Get an education from Alabama State University (ASU) and you can go anywhere in the world.
So, I live by number one every day and I put to use my education from ASU, where I also received my Air Force commission. For so many of us the preparation to become a successful entrepreneur involves general and specific knowledge. I find that successful entrepreneurs are those who hunger for experience, knowledge, and find challenges and obstacles to be opportunities for growth. Consequently, I use my general and specific knowledge everyday in business. For instance, my military experiences have helped to shape my life and provided a foundation of exceptional leadership skills.
While in the military I earned a master’s degree which enhanced my overall management abilities. After serving my country for more than three decades I retired as a Colonel from the United States Air Force Reserve. Moreover, I have worked for Fortune 100 companies as well as small businesses, which honed my knowledge of effectively doing business. In other words, never stop learning and continue to utilize every aspect of your life to succeed in your present and future endeavors. This also means that you must carefully choose what you will expose yourself to for it may have an impact on your future.
Likewise, please know that while building the company I made time to be involved with my family. I am married to an entrepreneur, Oatice Thomas, who is President and CEO of Operations & Technology Incorporated. We have three awesome sons who are striving to make a positive impact on the world. To me, a balanced life entails enjoying every aspect of your time on this earth. So we must purposely carve out time to enjoy the people and things that we identify as being important to us.
What advice would you provide for burgeoning entrepreneurs on HBCU campuses today?
Remain focused on your goal – graduation! Also, take advantage of the robust resources on your campuses, such as the Career Center and associations that pertain to your major. Go the extra mile, such as co-authoring a paper with a professor or participating in a business plan competition. And definitely volunteer to work at a business or organization in your community – you will obtain real world experience while giving back.
*Tomorrow – Part Three with Florida A&M alumni and Cravings Truck owners Kianta Key and Johnathon Sellers.
