4/24/03

Dina Kanellos, 334/844-2203

JOHNSTON NAMED 2003 DISTINGUISHED AU BUSINESS ALUMNUS

AUBURN -- Don Johnston of Eufaula, a retired trucking company executive, has been named the 2003 Distinguished Alumnus in Business by the Auburn University College of Business.

The award, presented annually, recognizes an AU alumnus who has made significant contributions to business and industry as well as to Auburn University. It is the highest honor granted by the college.

Johnston was honored at the college's Annual Honors Banquet, which was sponsored by Energen Corporation. William Michael Warren Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Energen, was the 2002 recipient.

"Don Johnston enjoyed a distinguished career in business earning a reputation as a man of integrity and honesty," said John Jahera, interim dean of the College of Business. "He is most deserving of this recognition, given his success in business as well as in his personal life.

"Despite his busy schedule he always has found time for his family as well as Auburn University. Don truly loves Auburn University and has worked hard to help the College of Business improve its programs and reputation over the years."

Born and raised in Brundidge, Johnston graduated from Auburn in 1959 with a degree in industrial management. He worked as plant manager of a food company and then area manager of Dale Carnegie and Associates before relocating to Eufaula in 1979 to become vice president and general manager of Boyd Brothers Transportation.

Promoted to president and CEO in 1981, Johnston helped grow the company from 40 trucks and $3 million in revenue to more than 900 trucks and $125 million in revenue during his tenure.

For more than 18 consecutive years, the company made a profit under his leadership. While at Boyd Brothers, he was chairman of the Alabama Trucking Association and chairman of the University of Georgia Trucking Profitability Conference.

Since his retirement in 1998, he has been chairman of the AU College of Business Advisory Council. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Methodist Children's Home, and Best Transport.Com, a software company in Columbus, Ohio.

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CONTACT: Jahera, 334/844-4030.