Harry Hawks
Harry Hawks is an experienced media, technology, and education executive, entrepreneur,
investor, and advisor, driving strategy, operational execution, transformational change,
and value creation. As the former CFO of two NYSE-listed companies, he has deep knowledge
of regulatory compliance, corporate governance, business processes, workflows, transparency,
disclosure, performance measurement, financial stewardship, professional development,
and accountability.
A co-founder of private equity-backed Argyle Television, he helped grow the company
from zero revenue to $1 billion through organic growth, mergers, acquisitions, and
strategic investments. He also helped create one of the most respected media firms.
After Argyle’s IPO, it acquired Hearst Broadcasting, formed Hearst-Argyle Television
(HTV), then acquired Pulitzer Broadcasting. HTV’s many honors include the USC Walter
Annenberg Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism,
DuPont-Columbia Journalism Award, George Foster Peabody Award, National Headliner
Award, and the Edward R. Murrow Award.
Hawks joined international education technology firm K12 Inc. to build an infrastructure
for growth. Process reengineering helped support revenue growth from $380 million
in 2010 to $850 million in 2013. K12 Inc. earned numerous awards for online curriculum
from the Association of Educational Publishers, U.S. Distance Learning Association,
Software Information Industry Association, Parents Choice Foundation, and EdTech Digest.
His early career included international corporate finance, investment banking, and
venture capital across diverse industries.
Hawks’ philanthropic involvements also include being a founding trustee and charter
family at The Stanwich School, director of the endowment fund for the Gladney Center
for Adoption, an elder in the First Presbyterian Church, mentor and angel investor
at Venture for America, and member of the national committee for the New Orleans Jazz
Museum.
My LSU Giving Story
What is your favorite memory involving LSU?
I have three: 1. Making friends from other countries at Free Speech Alley, where my
eyes were opened to new cultures.
2. Learning to love learning in grad school as we focused on the real-world application
of our studies. 3. Best of all, The Quadrangle, aka "The Quad" - my parents met there,
so without LSU bringing them together, I would not be here.
What makes LSU unique?
Like my home state of Louisiana, LSU was also a melting pot (or maybe I should say
gumbo) of ideas, cultures, passions, and personal histories.
If you are an LSU alumnus/a, why did you choose to attend LSU?
My decision was partially based on family tradition. My father earned a degree in
mechanical engineering thanks to the GI Bill. The other deciding factor was that I
always admired the flagship university of the state.
Why do you support LSU?
I am fortunate to have enjoyed a fascinating and rewarding career. I have had the
opportunity to live and work in Texas, New York, and Washington D.C. and travel to
several foreign countries. In the process, I had the privilege of working with graduates
of the finest universities in the world. Thanks to LSU, I was prepared.
If someone asked you why he/she should make a gift to LSU, what would you say?
Please take time to meet the current curious and ambitious students, review the dynamic
degree programs, talk to the amazing faculty, and take pride in the accomplishments
of our graduates. Your support can impact young lives and our world.
What is your vision for LSU, and how do you think philanthropy can drive that vision?
I dream that LSU achieves and continually earns the right to be part of the national
dialogue regarding the leading universities preparing the leaders of tomorrow. That
vision requires investment in programs, faculty, and students that exceeds the resources
provided by tuition and state funds alone.
What motivated you to accept our invitation to be an inaugural member of the LSU Foundation
National Board?
First, it is an immense honor and privilege to serve. Second, I am humbled by the
many accomplishments of the other board members, and indeed the Foundation itself.
I hope to learn from and be inspired by them.
What most excites you about being part of the National Board?
I'm excited for the challenge and the opportunity of finding a way that I can make
a difference. I will certainly love maintaining and even growing my connection to
LSU.