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Business News

Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott Discusses
the Challenges of Leadership

—July 19, 2001

"We all have an obligation to discover the talents we possess," said Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott during the Stories of Leadership lecture series in the Center for Professional Excellence. "Once we discover those talents, we must share them with others."

McDermott's career has spanned different arenas. A graduate of West Point, he began his military career in aviation and flew 61 combat missions as a P-38 fighter pilot during World War II.

He received his MBA from Harvard and was named to the faculty at West Point in 1950. McDermott later was appointed the first permanent Dean of Faculty at the newly established U.S. Air Force Academy. During his tenure he influenced developmental changes with his forward-looking ideas regarding the academic curriculum.

"Through alliances of like minded people you can get things done," he said. McDermott used this principle to establish the first undergraduate astronautics program at the Air Force Academy in conjunction with Purdue University.

Following 14 years of service at the Air Force Academy, McDermott moved to San Antonio and began his distinguished career as the inspired leader of USAA. The corporate culture that he established was founded on open communication, bottom up leadership and quality service to the customers.

"The secret of my success at USAA was the continual development of leaders at all levels within the organization. A true leader is one who serves others."

McDermott will be sharing his vast knowledge and experience this upcoming academic year with the College of Business as he meets with members of the Leadership Challenge class.

Stories of Leadership is dedicated to the concept of learning through shared experiences. Business and civic leaders present the lessons they've learned throughout the course of their lives. The stories are powerful tools to instruct, guide and inspire the continued development of today's as well as tomorrow's leaders.

Wendy Frost—

Please send your comments to: wendy.frost@utsa.edu

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