April 1, 2008 marked the inauguration of a new professorship in the Walker College of Business – the first established by a Walker College alumnus. During the CEO Lecture Series executive luncheon, former Walker College of Business faculty member Duane D. Daggett was honored by our distinguished guests as the namesake of the professorship.
Established by M. Lee Barnes, Jr. (BSBA, 1990) and Christy L. Barnes, the Duane D. Daggett Endowed Professorship honors Dr. Daggett for his integrity, professionalism, outstanding guidance, business acumen and industry expertise. Dr. Daggett served as an Executive in Residence at the Walker College of Business from 1986 until he left in 2000 to become President and Chief Executive Officer of Oakwood Homes. During this period, he taught and served as a mentor to hundreds of Appalachian students.
During his time at Appalachian, Dr. Daggett was well known for his dynamic personality inside and outside of the classroom. Often leading full study abroad trips to England, Scotland, Norway, Denmark and Italy, Dr. Daggett was constantly involved in student development. He was a faculty sponsor for Delta Chi Fraternity and received the Outstanding Professor Award from the Student Government Association in 1990, 1991 and 1994 through 1997. In 1990, Dr. Daggett also received the Alumni Outstanding Teacher's Award.
Prior to joining the College, Dr. Daggett was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Service Systems Corporation, previously an R.J. Reynolds Industry, and served on the Board of Directors for Southwestern Investment Company, Peter Eckrich & Sons, Security Savings and Loan, Martha White Foods and Tindle Mills. Dr. Daggett received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa and a bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa.
In honor of Dr. Daggett and in recognition of the Barnes' funding to enact the professorship, Room 4018 in Raley Hall has been named the Duane D. Daggett classroom. A plaque with Dr. Dagget's likeness will hang in the room. The professorship will be awarded to an outstanding faculty member in the Walker College of Business Department of Management.