Psi Chapter Benefits from Brother’s Involvement as an Undergraduate and an Alumnus — William Ezell III ’69
From the moment you begin speaking with James P. Hayes Jr. ’71, his pride in the state of Alabama, University of Alabama, and Delta Kappa Epsilon is an apparent sentiment.
Growing up in southern Alabama, Jim was exposed to the strong reputation of UA and DKE at an early age. His father, Pat ’43, and uncles, Brooks Hayes ’40 and Albert Haas ’41, were Dekes at Alabama. Jim remembers, “Living in Alabama, it was a badge of honor to be a Deke. The standards for academics, intramurals, and leadership were very high. It was just a great place to be with a great group of folks.”
While at UA, Jim earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in industrial engineering and was a member of the School of Engineering’s honor society. Following graduation, Jim moved to New Orleans where he worked for an oil company for 12 years. He then returned to Alabama and became a member of the Don Siegelman administration, serving as a member of the governor’s cabinet for three years. Jim is now president of the Economic Development Partnership of America, a company specializing in the economic development of Alabama.
Jim values his work with the EDPA because it supports the advancement of Alabama communities through public and private funding and is often able to support projects that the state does not have the resources to fund. “I enjoy my work because it is for the state of Alabama, and I work with people I have a great deal of respect for.” Jim encourages young alumni to remember that “the relationships you develop at the University of Alabama and in Delta Kappa Epsilon will carry you in life. Remember that you can always develop friendships further, and very few people succeed without the benefit of friends.”
In addition to his professional commitments, Jim serves on a number of civic foundations and committees. He is co-chairman of the campaign for the University of Alabama, a $500 million effort that will provide funding for many University entities (with a majority of the funds going toward scholarships). He volunteers with the Crippled Children’s Foundation and the Lakeshore Foundation. Jim also served as chairman of the President’s Cabinet for the University.
Jim lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Ann, and their dog, Lizzie. When not working or serving as a steward to the state of Alabama, University of Alabama, and DKE, Jim is an avid reader and is currently reading books about the Middle East. You can contact him at [email protected].