Doug Smith to receive ACU's top alumni award For immediate release February 16, 1999 Doug Smith, a 1960 graduate of Abilene Christian University, has been named Abilene Christian University's Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. The former president and CEO of Quorum Health Resources, Inc., will be honored Sunday, Feb. 21, at a noon luncheon at the Abilene Civic Center. On the local level, Quorum owns Abilene Regional Medical Center, a full-service acute care hospital that serves approximately 22 counties in the Texas Midwest. "When Royce (ACU president Dr. Royce Money) told me I had been selected, my first reaction was surprise," Smith said. "There are so many worthy and wonderful people who graduated from ACU. I thought there must be some mistake because there are so many people named Smith." ACU's Alumni Association presents this annual award to recognize the lifetime achievement of an individual who has brought honor to the university through personal and professional excellence and service to the university, the church and the community. "Doug Smith has a heart for others," said ACU President Dr. Royce Money. "He and Nan (Doug's wife) have spent their lives looking for ways that God can use them to His glory." The Brentwood, Tenn., resident graduated from ACU in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in business administration, and in 1966 he received his master's degree in healthcare administration from Duke University. In 1969 Smith became the assistant director of Duke University Medical Center and held that position for two years. From 1983 to 1985, he served as president of the Hospital Corporation of America Center for Health Studies and was responsible for strategic planning, operations research, telecommunications and management development. In addition, Smith has been president of HCA Management Co. and was responsible through regional and district organization for more than 200 hospital contracts in 46 states and Canada. The HCA Management Co. spun off from its parent company, Hospital Corporation of America, and became Quorom Health Group Inc., of which Smith was vice chairman for four years. He then served as the president and CEO of Quorom Health Resources. Smith now oversees Evergreen Investments and Management in Brentwood, Tenn., and is chairman of Passport Health Communications, as well as a part-time professor at Vanderbilt University. He serves on ACU's Board of Trustees, and he is working on a doctoral degree in the philosophy of administration/health services administration at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. "While Doug has been a very successful businessman, his Christian values have always been obvious. He combines a keen business sense with a deep commitment to spiritual things," Money said. "He and Nan plan their lives around Kingdom business. They epitomize a couple who are conscientious and generous in their stewardship and their love for the Lord." Smith said, "I very much appreciate this award because ACU is a great place. My time there was a time of learning and spiritual formation. It was a very special experience in my life. I've always been proud of my relationship with ACU." Smith also has been responsible for encouraging hundreds of youth from Nashville to attend ACU, including his own children: triplets, Troy (class of 1990), Elizabeth Smith (class of 1989) and Bryan (class of 1990); and David and Carrie. -30- If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@nicanor.acu.edu or call 915-674-2692. Last update: Feb. 18, 1999 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@nicanor.acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/people/news/clearchoices.html