By A.J. KING

ajk012@latech.edu

 

 

Mike McCallister, president and CEO of a Fortune 200 company, gave up his day job Jan. 25 to teach business students about the workings of Humana, Inc.

Humana is a company that offers coordinated health insurance and related services to employer groups, government-sponsored plans and individuals.

McCallister, a graduate of ‘74, was professor for a day in the College of Administration and Business.

McCallister said one of the things he wanted to share with his class was how everything students are learning plays out in the work world.

“The school does an excellent job developing a curriculum that goes from an academic setting to the real world,” he said.

“It’s the same thing that gets you through school that gets you through the business world, show up and do your work and take accountability for things.”

McCallister said innovation is the guiding force behind his effective business philosophy.

“No matter what industry it is, if you’re not changing, you’re standing still,” McCallister said.

McCallister also described how he helped Humana turn into a profitable company.

“[By using] straightforward strategies, communicating to virtually everyone in the company, communicating some more, getting the right team together, then letting them do their job.”

McCallister credited Tech for an education that has helped him in his career.

“It’s a perfect-sized school to settle into, and apparently I learned enough to get by.”

One of McCallister’s most memorable moments at Tech was graduation day.

“I went year-round, during summers and with a full-time job,” he said.

McCallister said he looked forward to only working one job after graduation.

McCallister started work at Humana in 1974 as a finance specialist. He was made president and CEO in 2000.

Shirley Reagan, dean of the CAB, said, “I’ve never seen anyone in such a high level position who is so gracious and cordial and giving of time and money.”

Reagan also said McCallister was key in the renovation of the CAB.

“He’s the person who said lets move forward with this,” Reagan said.

McCallister used the same concepts in leading Humana out of turbulent times when Humana was experiencing a loss.

Reagan said, “He brought the organization back into profit mode.”

Laura Marler, a doctoral student in business and administration, teaches management classes and said she liked the way McCallister applied concepts taught at Tech to the business world.

“I thought he presented a very well-rounded view of what we teach in our different business classes. It was interesting to see him apply those,” Marler said.

She said McCallister talked about statistics, marketing, consumer behavior and strategic management, courses which students take separately.

Marler said, “Students can see how all of these main courses are relevant.”