Joe W. Forehand, Jr.
Raised in Alexander City, AL, Joe Forehand graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1971. He received a master’s degree in industrial management from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University in 1972, as well as an honorary doctorate of management.
Forehand joined Accenture in 1972 in its Atlanta office and became a partner 10 years later. He was named CEO in November 1999 and chairman of the board of directors in February 2001. Forehand led the company through a period of significant change and growth. During that time, Accenture grew from 66,000 employees and $9.6 billion in net revenues to 103,000 employees and $13.7 billion in net revenues. Joe also led the company through corporate rebranding and becoming a public corporation.
Mr. Forehand has received many honors for his visionary leadership. Among them are the Carl S. Sloane Award for Excellence in Management Consulting, the Morgan Stanley Leadership Award for Global Commerce, the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council’s Distinguished Alumnus and his induction into the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame.
Joe and his wife, Gayle Parks Forehand (1970 AU graduate in Business), have two sons Christopher and Kevin.
Impact
Why did you choose to create a scholarship at Auburn University?
Because my experience at Auburn enabled me to achieve my dreams, I want to enable future Auburn scholars to achieve their dreams.
What would you want the recipients of this scholarship to know about the person for whom it is named?
I was the first generation of my family to attend college. I met my wife Gayle at Auburn, and we remain happily married with two sons, their spouses, as well as five grandchildren. I completed a 34-year career with Accenture, ultimately becoming Chairman and CEO. I attribute whatever success I have had to a very supportive family and an attitude that learning never stops.
Tell us about your Auburn story, favorite tradition, a “War Eagle!” moment, or what Auburn has meant to you.
Although it no longer exists, one of my favorite traditions was the “Wreck Tech” parade when we played Georgia Tech. Auburn transformed me from an 18-year-old kid to a graduate engineer, confident in taking on the world. Although hard to describe, Auburn creates such a “family” environment. No matter where in the world I am, a “War Eagle” is always forthcoming if you spot an alum. The Auburn Creed is such a wonderful and simple way to think about Auburn values. Having completed an eight-year term on the Auburn University Foundation Board, I have been able to witness the success of Auburn talent and their spirit and willingness to give back to Auburn: “Because This is Auburn.”
What do you hope your recipients gain through this scholarship?
First, I hope they gain some financial flexibility to get a more rewarding Auburn experience—academically, socially, spiritually—to become leaders in their fields. Secondly, I hope they see the importance of donors who are committed to Auburn and its students’ success. Auburn can’t depend on state support and tuition increases to remain a leading institution.