C. Jackson Grayson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
C. Jackson Grayson
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| Born | October 8, 1923 |
| Died | May 4, 2017 (aged 93) |
| Occupation | Productivity and quality improvement champion |
| Spouse(s) | Dr. Carla O'Dell |
C. Jackson "Jack" Grayson, Jr. (born October 8, 1923 – died May 4, 2017) was a very important person who helped businesses work better. He was the chairman of APQC, which is a group that helps companies improve. He also led two business schools and was in charge of the U.S. Price Commission in 1971. Before all that, he was a farmer, a newspaper reporter, and even an FBI agent! In 1977, he started APQC as a non-profit organization.
Jack Grayson was the chairman of the U.S. Price Commission from 1971 to 1973. This was during President Richard Nixon's time. In this role, he helped control prices across the country. He made sure companies asked for permission before raising prices too much. This job taught him a lot about how to make businesses more efficient. Later, he founded the American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC) in 1977. He worked there to help educate people and improve how businesses operate.
Contents
Jack Grayson's Career Journey
His Education and Learning
Jack Grayson went to several universities to learn about business.
- He earned his first degree (B.B.A.) from Tulane University in 1944.
- He then got his M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1947.
- Later, he earned his D.B.A. (a special business degree) from Harvard Business School in 1969.
Teaching and Leadership Roles
Jack Grayson spent many years teaching and leading at universities. He was a professor at places like Tulane University and Harvard University. He also became the dean (the head) of the business schools at Tulane University and Southern Methodist University. He even taught in Switzerland and France!
Other Important Jobs
Besides teaching, Jack Grayson had many different and interesting jobs:
- He was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Louisiana, which means he was an expert in managing money for businesses.
- He worked as a newspaper reporter for the New Orleans Item.
- He was a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington, D.C.
- He managed a farm in Louisiana, growing cotton and raising cattle.
- He was the Chairman of the U.S. Price Commission, helping to manage prices for the government.
- He was the Chairman of the American Productivity & Quality Center (APQC), which he founded.
- He also advised three different U.S. Presidents: Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan. He helped them think about how to make the country more productive.
- He was a member of the board of directors for many large companies, helping them make important decisions.
Awards and Recognition
Jack Grayson received several awards for his important work:
- In 2000, he was named one of the "Most Admired Knowledge Leaders" in North America. This award recognized him for his great ideas and leadership in sharing knowledge.
- In 2003, the American Society for Quality (ASQ) gave him its Distinguished Service Medal. This special medal honors people who have made a huge difference in improving quality over their lifetime.
- In 2006, Southern Methodist University honored him by naming a scholarship and an annual award after him. This was to celebrate his contributions to business and entrepreneurship.
