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Al Higdon, retired co-founder and chairman of Kansas’ largest full-service ad agency and a longtime supporter of WSU, has received the prestigious Board of Trustees’ Award, given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the vital partnership between WSU and the community.

Higdon’s involvement with the university began while with Sullivan Higdon & Sink. He mentored students, provided guest lectures, internships and scholarships, served on the Elliott School of Communication’s advisory council and donated funds to the Elliott School.

“We were always looking for new, young talent,” Higdon says. “WSU became a clear pipeline for entry level people, and it was in our best interest and the university’s to form a meaningful partnership.”

Since retiring from SHS in 1996, he continues working with students and the Elliott School as the school’s professional-in-residence.

Higdon also has been part of the Endowment Association’s National Advisory Council, having led the group for two years, and is a former board member of the WSU Alumni Association, having earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from WSU in 1961. Higdon also is a member of the President’s Club and the Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization.

The Board of Trustees’ Award was presented by President Hughes and Board of Trustees Chairman Mike Oatman Oct. 30 at the annual President’s Club Gala, an event to honor the university’s top donors.

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