Due to his father’s employment with the United States Department of Justice, Morgan Cawthon ’87 experienced the challenge of being the new kid on the block throughout his entire adolescence. Now in the global world, Cawthon attributes his appreciation of diversity to his years at Southwestern.

“I now realize that I came to Southwestern a pretty hard, undisciplined and narrow-minded individual. The combination of a pretty rigorous academic curriculum and the social interactions inherent on a small campus provided a great learning environment. My membership in the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity was a large step in recognizing and valuing diversity in society.”

Cawthon was also impacted by Robert Soulen, professor emeritus. “He told me very frankly that my approach to my Southwestern learning experience was less than impressive. To this day, I vividly remember that conversation, and it still drives me to excel or exceed expectations in the workplace.”

Cawthon currently serves as the Director of Global Support Services-Asia for Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. in Singapore. “My ability to successfully manage change has contributed heavily to my personal satisfaction and career success. I believe my multiple relocation experiences growing up and my days at Southwestern made this possible for me. Being asked to lead so many new opportunities is also exciting because it has kept me mentally flexible. A large portion of my career has been in growth areas where building self-sustaining organizations has been a large part of the challenge. Asia is a huge growth platform for Air Products & Chemical, Inc.  So much growth today is abroad, that the experience and knowledge gained not only by interacting with and visiting, but especially by living in multiple cultures is quite valuable.”

Cawthon finds that he shares values with Air Products & Chemical. “I find working for Air Products & Chemical, Inc. a great experience. The company is founded on great ethical principles and continually looks for innovative ways to better serve the world in industry. Being a part of a world leader in safety programs is quite an honor, and I hope to be able to finish my career with Air Products by continuing to lead growth opportunities, wherever they may arise worldwide.”

Cawthon believes that his Southwestern experience shaped his respect for and value of diversity. “Without my mind having been opened to this at Southwestern, I would have gotten nowhere in the workplace. The idea of promoting close mentoring relationships between student and professor in the classroom is one that I have naturally carried over into my own relationships with direct reports today – making suggestions, giving feedback and ultimately, helping to guide a few careers.”

Cawthon advises current students to engage in their education. “[Southwestern] provides an environment that provides an excellent education on the fundamentals, but also teaches you how to teach yourself. Remember, there is someone – undoubtedly whole countries of someones – out there that would love to be in your shoes. Make the most of it now.”