T. Boone Pickens to Speak at Clemson

T. Boone Pickens, one of America’s most successful businessmen, will share his insights on leadership in a public lecture at Clemson University at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.

His “Thoughts on Leadership” presentation will focus on his tips to become an effective leader.

The Holdenville, Okla., native is visiting the area to explore his ties to Upstate South Carolina. Pickens is a descendent of Revolutionary War hero and congressman Andrew Pickens, for whom Pickens County is named.

“I have deep South Carolina roots going all the way back to John C. Calhoun and Gen. Andrew Pickens,” said Pickens. “I take considerable pride in the Pickens name and the wonderful heritage and history tied to our family and South Carolina. I’m eager to return there and rekindle our family’s love and respect of our ancestry.”

Pickens built one of the nation’s largest independent oil companies, Mesa Petroleum, and later reinvented himself in his 70s as one of the most successful investment fund operators with BP Capital. In July 2008, Boone launched the Pickens Plan, a grass-roots campaign aimed at reducing America’s dependence on OPEC oil. He is the author of the 2008 book “The First Billion is the Hardest,” which details his ideas on energy independence.

A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Pickens is a generous philanthropist, giving more than $1 billion in donations to various efforts in his lifetime. He has given more than $500 million in support of academics and athletics at his alma mater.

Pickens’ many professional honors include membership in the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, the Texas Business Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. In 1998, the Oil & Gas Investor listed him as one of the “100 Most Influential People of the Petroleum Century.”

Pickens lecture is free, but please register online if you plan to attend.