Christopher Plumlee ’89 knew from the time that he was 17 years old that he wanted to work for a Fortune 500 company. It was that same year that he learned Southwestern University was the school that would take him to his dream.

“Although I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I grew up in Dallas. While in high school, I took part in a program called INROADS.  One of the INROADS VPs was a former recruiter from Southwestern. I told her I was looking for an institution that would provide an exceptional education and was small enough where I would not feel like just a number.  I wanted a university where the professors took an active interest in their students and pushed them to excel.  She said, “I’ve got the perfect university for you!”  It turns out she was absolutely correct.”

While at Southwestern, Leonard Giesecke, professor of economics and business, enriched Plumlee to look deeper into aspects of banking and finance. “Dr. Giesecke wanted us to think outside of our books. He challenged me to think broader, on how theories worked in practical application.” Plumlee’s experience at Southwestern led him to become a branch manager of Nations Bank at the mere age of 23.

Currently, Plumlee serves as the National Sales Manager for Dell’s Imagining and Printing Group. “Dell started this division about three years ago. I serve as the National manager for the Fortune 1,000 accounts. I am usually on the road about three days out of the week. Everyday is a new challenge. Each client has different needs and I have to determine how to best align Dell’s products, services and support with their needs.”

After spending time with companies that did not support his values, Plumlee finds satisfaction that his current position upholds his beliefs. “I believe that we must treat people with dignity, respect and integrity. Your word is your bond, and we must live up to our commitments.” Plumlee shared those beliefs were amplified at Southwestern. “All professors, and in fact, pretty much all the folks that I came into contact with while at Southwestern were good people. They had tremendous character and moral fiber.  The values fostered at Southwestern carry into my everyday life now. I certainly hope the people I work for and with would say that I always treat them fairly and with respect.”

Plumlee encourages today’s students to cherish their time while at Southwestern. “It is one of the most enjoyable times of your life. You will never experience that kind of environment again. With time, you gain perspective. I appreciate the wonderful, unique time that I had at Southwestern even more now.”