Richard C. Adkerson, whose dedication to helping Mississippi State excel in academics and athletics has sparked growth across campus, was named to Institutional Investor’s All-America Executive Team CEO Hall of Fame.
Awarded by a leading international business publication, this honor recognizes chief executives who have been voted top of their sector at least six times. Adkerson, who is CEO and chair of the board for Freeport-McMoRan, has earned the top spot in the Metals and Mining category nine times.
When asked by the publication’s editor to share advice for the next generation, he recalled something he was told at age 33 when he was selected to lead accounting firm Arthur Andersen’s global oil practice.
“Do the right thing, and don’t screw-up,” he recalled in speaking with Institutional Investor. “Those have been ‘watchwords’ for my career.”
Earlier in 2024, Adkerson was named to the National Mining Hall of Fame.
Adkerson has helmed Freeport-McMoRan, a leading international metals company, since 2003. He joined the company in 1989 following his early career with Arthur Andersen and Co. He was also an accounting fellow with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Through his success in the business world, Adkerson has been named to numerous boards and committees both for industry interests and community service, including many at MSU. He was named the university’s Alumnus of the Year in 2011 and earned an Honorary Doctor of Science from MSU in 2010.
A 1969 accounting and 1970 MBA graduate, he is the namesake of MSU’s Adkerson School of Accountancy in the College of Business. Over the years, he and his family foundation have supported the university through generous financial gifts, including support for online graduate-level degree programs, renovations to Bulldog baseball and basketball facilities, and endowed scholarship funds.