Administration

Communications

Canton native speaks to students about career fulfillment
Friday, February 12, 2010

Canton, Mo. – Culver-Stockton College recently welcomed Doug Smith, president of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGC), as the speaker for the February 2, Business Leadership Exchange Lecture Series. In his presentation, Recognizing Your Passion; One Man's Journey to Career Fulfillment, Smith discussed his personal career along with the challenges for contractors in the current economic climate.

The Associated General Contractors of Missouri is the leading organization representing federal, heavy, highway, and transportation contractors in Missouri. Smith has also been involved in trade association management for 10 years, serving as president for the Associated General Contractors of Missouri for the past two years. Prior to his current position, Smith was director of operations and member services for the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association for eight years. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Missouri Society of Association Executives (MSAE), serving as their vice president for membership for 2009-2010, as well as a member of the Missouri Transportation Alliance (MOTA), a Missouri transportation advocacy group, the Missouri Transportation Coalition (MTC) and the Missouri Society of Governmental Consultants (MSGC).

Smith is a lifelong resident of Missouri, growing up in Canton, attending Canton R-V High School, and graduating from Culver-Stockton College in 1989, with degrees in business administration, history and political science. He currently resides in Jefferson City, Mo.

“Doug Smith has a wonderful ability to truly connect with our students,” said Dr. Dell Ann Janney, professor of accounting and chairperson of the business division. “In his presentation, Doug shared about his personal experiences in his career path and how his journey led him to his passion. Doug has a refreshing sense of humor and provided students an inspirational perspective on traveling the road to success.”

During his presentation Smith shared the story of his college and post-college life and trying to answer the question “What do I want to do with my life?” He spoke to students, faculty and guests about his past careers and what he learned from them. He gave some key pieces of advice which included, be organized and prepared, learn as you go, remember people are your best resource, trust your gut, do not be satisfied, stay hungry, stay humble, do not be afraid to fall, and enjoy the ride.

The lecture also emphasized the relationship between AGC of Missouri with the Missouri Department of Transportation. Smith talked about how, with the help of AGC, MoDOT saved Missouri taxpayers $135 million in 2008-2009 on its construction costs, increased the percentage of roads in good condition from 47% to 86% since 2004 and with the increased construction Missouri had its lowest roadway death toll since the 1950s.