David Abney
David and Sherry Abney of Atlanta, Ga., recently made a generous gift to Delta State University, which will help to enhance the International Business and Development program.
Abney, a 1976 graduate, currently serves as the President of UPS International and is responsible for the strategic development and management of UPS’s international package division. As part of UPS’s Management Committee, Abney is also responsible for overseeing UPS’s international package services within the United States.
A native of Greenwood, Abney received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. It was while at Delta State, he began his career with UPS, as a part-time employee loading and unloading packages in 1974.
Since that time, Abney has held various positions throughout his UPS career, including division manager in New Jersey and district manager in Utah. He also served as president of SonicAir®, UPS’s same-day delivery service. While president of SonicAir, Abney was honored with the Professionalism in Services/Support Management Award by the International Association of Services Management for demonstrating exemplary managerial characteristics.
Prior to taking the helm of UPS’s top international post, Abney led UPS’s logistical and freight operations in Canada, Latin America and the United States. He later headed up the global operations of UPS’s freight forwarding and customs brokerage operations. During his tenure, Abney oversaw UPS’s largest acquisition in recent history – the Fritz Companies.
“Obtaining my degree from Delta State was like crossing the continental divide. I was the first in my family to graduate from a university,” Abney offered. “My education at Delta State certainly helped prepare me for the ‘real world’ of business. It has been 29 years since I left Delta State, and as I now travel throughout the world, I proudly refer to Delta State wherever I go.”
The International Business and Development will be a new program to Delta State University this fall under the Division of Management, Marketing and Business Administration. This program is designed to prepare students for the constantly expanding world of business.
“Students wishing to gain knowledge and understanding on the global possibilities available for business professionals will benefit from this new program,” Dr. Cooper Johnson, Division Chair and Professor of Management, Marketing and Business Administration offered. “A degree from Delta State University, with an emphasis in International Business, is sure to help in the opening of endless opportunities for graduates.”
For more information on how to make a gift to Delta State please contact Director of Development George Miller at (662) 846-4708.
