KNOXVILLE — John Compton, an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and CEO of PepsiCo Americas Foods, has made a contribution to the College of Business Administration that will enhance state-of-the-art technology in the new James A. Haslam II Business Building.
John ComptonHis gift is part of the Campaign for Tennessee, the university’s $1 billion fundraising effort. Compton chairs the College of Business Administration’s Campaign for Tennessee Leadership Team.
To commemorate Compton’s gift, the college has named the dean’s suite in the Haslam Business Building as the John C. Compton Dean’s Suite. In addition to supporting enhanced technology, a portion of Compton’s gift was directed to the College Fund for Business Administration.
Born and raised in East Tennessee, Compton graduated from UT in 1983 with a degree in finance. Upon graduation, he went to work for Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo. He began his career making cookies, working third shift in a local Tennessee plant. He steadily progressed through the ranks, serving in a variety of senior management positions. He currently serves as CEO of PepsiCo Americas Foods, the largest division within PepsiCo. Compton’s portfolio includes the company’s Frito-Lay North America, Quaker Foods and all Latin American foods businesses.
“John always has kept the university and the college in his heart,” said Jan Williams, dean of the College of Business Administration. “He loyally has served the college by serving as an Executive-in-Residence; he also has been a member of our Advisory Council to the Dean for the past 10 years. We are grateful for his commitment and unwavering support.”
Compton said the university “has given me lifelong friendships and a solid foundation from which to build a career. I am honored to be able to contribute back to the school I love.”
The Campaign for Tennessee — the most ambitious effort in the university’s 214-year history — places UT among the ranks of the nation’s largest public and private institutions that have sought this level of private support.
The campaign, which launched its silent phase in 2005, will secure private gifts that, in turn, will contribute substantially to the distinct, but linked, campuses comprised by the University of Tennessee system. Funds raised through the campaign will directly support the objectives of UT’s strategic plan, including improved student access and success, research and economic development, outreach and globalization.
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Contact:
Amy Blakely, (865) 974-5034, amy.blakely@tennessee.edu