Woods donates $500,000 to SWT College of Business Administration

Date of release: 08/05/02

SAN MARCOS,TEXAS— Gary V. Woods, president of McCombs Enterprises, has pledged $500,000 to create an endowment for excellence in the College of Business Administration at Southwest Texas State University.

Proceeds from the endowment will be used to help SWT business faculty stay current in their knowledge of business practice through internships, research and participation in development programs. The gift will also fund student participation in regional and national business competitions and conferences to complement their classroom work.

“Mr. Woods’ generosity will provide new opportunities for students and professors in the College of Business Administration to pursue academic excellence in and out of the classroom,” said Denise Smart, dean of the college. “We’re very grateful for this donation. Gifts such as this can truly enhance the quality of the educational experience.”

Woods graduated from SWT in 1965 with a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting. He later completed an MBA at Southern Methodist University, and completed coursework for his doctorate at the University of North Texas. He is a certified public accountant and attended the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.

He has been president of McCombs Enterprises since 1979 and has been instrumental in the expansion of the company into multiple industries. Woods also currently serves as president of the Minnesota Vikings National Football League franchise.

Established in 1958, the SWT College of Business Administration offers its 4,600 students the bachelor of business administration degree with majors in accounting, computer information systems, economics, finance, management and marketing. Master of business administration and master of accountancy degrees are offered at the graduate level. All degree programs are accredited by the AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.