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Jesup, Georgia 31545

Years ago, a reporter was peppering Henry Ford with questions. Repeatedly, the automotive pioneer replied, I dont know. Frustrated, the journalist asked, How can you be so successful and know so little about your operation? With a smile, Ford said, See this button? All I have to do is push it. I can get any answer I want. One of the smartest things you can learn is to realize what you dont know. Theres no boundary for my lack of knowledge. And I am reminded of that factoften. Unlike Henry Ford, I dont have a magic button to push. But luckily, I know Google-like people who are willing to help. As I was preparing to pick up the chairmans gavel of the University System of Georgias Board of Regents, I made a trip to see my friend who held the gavel almost a half-century ago. So much has changed since the 1960s, but what hasnt changed is the basic challenge of making hard choices. Today, whiz-bang technology can pile data mountain-high before decision-makers. However, it cannot spit out vision or guts to do the right thing. Vision and guts were the topics of my recent fireside chat with my friend, H.G, a former chairman of the Regents. As a visionary leader, he has the guts to walk on the white-hot coals of riskagain and again. Architect John Portman became a global icon, building signature high-rises stretching

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

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every faculty hire. he said. The University of Georgia law school wanted to hire former Secretary of State Dean Rusk. H.G. got a call from the Gold Dome. Gov. Lester Maddox asked, Do you enjoy being on the Board of Regents? Yes sir, I do, H.G. said. Well, said Maddox, tell me what you think about Dean Rusk? How would you vote? Governor, said H.G., the chairman only votes to break a tie. Maddox persisted, Well, how would you vote then? Governor, said H.G., I believe Secretary Rusk would bring great distinction to UGA. Sure enough, the votes knotted in a tie. H.G. walked on the white-hot coals, voting to do the right thing. Maddox opposed Rusks hiring and retaliated by not reappointing H.G. I cant imagine The University of Georgias legacy without the contributions of Dean Rusk. And I cant imagine our states legacy without the servant leadership of Georgians like H.G. (Two of the three past chairmen of the Board of Regents, including the current chair and vice-chair, are all past presidents of his brainchildLeadership Georgia.) Theres so much that I dont know. But I know this: I am blessed to have my mentor. H.G. Pat Pattillo inspires me to have the vision and guts to do the right thing.
dnesmith@cninewspapers.com

One vote opens UGAs door for Dean Rusk

from Atlanta to Shanghai. His friend and Georgia Tech classmate, H.G., developed a signature stretching beyond conDINK crete and NeSMITH steel. Even Chairman though hes constructed more than 100 million square feet of industrial-warehouse space, hes spent a majority of his 86 years building communities, jobs and leaders. Leadership Georgiathe nations premier program of its kindwas his idea. In 1982, that organization is how I met H.G. And thats why I was sitting in his lakeside cabin, listening to the fire crackle, soaking up its warmth and his wisdom. His voice is soft, so I know to lean forward, not to miss a word. But what I wont hear is him talking about his accomplishments or philanthropy. Thats not H.G.s style. Instead, he advised: Know when to say no. Youll be asked to be somewhere every day. Its a big state, and its impossible to say yesevery time. Tell me about your most memorable decision as a Regent, I said. He chuckled and closed his eyes, as if to dial up 1969. In those days, the Regents voted on

My Opinion
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