From Standard to Outstanding: Alumnus Recognized for Leadership
MOUNT OLIVE – University of Mount Olive Alumnus Dwane Brinson has been named a Top 40 Under 40 Leadership Award recipient by the Triangle Business Journal. This is just one of the many contributions and accomplishments by 28 year-old Brinson, a 2006 University of Mount Olive graduate.
As a high school student, Brinson confesses he did not have big dreams concerning his future.
“I was an average high school kid that thought he wanted to become a car salesman – or anything that didn’t involve college,” he said.
After entering the real estate business and working as a tax appraiser, Brinson began pursuing his bachelor of science degree in business management from University of Mount Olive at Washington, and was actually one of the first graduates of that location. Now, two degrees later and a second master’s degree almost completed, Brinson is continuing on his path of success.
The Top 40 Under 40 Awards are presented to young professionals who display influence and leadership in the local area, as well as potential for future achievements. Brinson believes there were a multitude of people behind this particular accomplishment.
“Being selected for that award was an honor, but credit must go to all the people that have helped me along the way,” he said. “While my name is on the award, about 20 other people are behind it. It was a great honor and I am forever grateful.”
Those who know Brinson describe him as highly motivated and energetic – one who will go the extra mile to make sure a job gets done right. He also has a strong innovative side and values the latest technology, often implementing new technologies into his work as the Tax Administrator in Lee County. In fact Lee County Government is the first local North Carolina Government office to offer communication through Live Chat thanks to Brinson’s desire to make communicating with the public more convenient and accessible.
Brinson believes his success in the business world would not have been made possible without his experiences at University of Mount Olive.
“Going from not wanting to attend college when I was in high school to now preparing to graduate with my second master’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in May – University of Mount Olive transformed my life entirely,” Brinson said. “I have had a plethora of good things happen to me and they would not have happened without MOC.”
As he continues to gain success in the business world, Brinson feels it is important to give back of his time and his talents. He is a regular blood donor for the American Red Cross and serves as a community member on the organization’s advisory board. He is also a registered bone marrow donor through the American Cancer Society. Both of these organizations, he says, “Are powerful and gratifying.”
What’s to come in the future for this already successful alumnus? The answer is very simple: “Continue to make a difference in public service,” says Brinson.
Brinson currently resides in Sanford, NC with his wife Betsy.
University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.moc.edu.