 Cornell Watts '96
B.S. in Computer Informations Systems
Currently working as a Senior Implementation Project Manager for Dell, Cornell is responsible for all service implementations for the Austin-based company. As a business major specializing in computer information systems, Cornell has effectively utilized his degree. After graduating from McMurry in 1996, Cornell received his master’s of business administration at Texas Southern University. From there, he went to work for several companies specializing in computer information systems, including a stint working for the federal government managing the information systems for the Defense Logistics Agency in Washington D.C. He joined Dell in 2006 and moved back to Houston in September 2007 to manage various implementation projects for Dell across the country.
Cornell attributes his success in the business world to his academic experience at McMurry. He credits faculty and staff members like McMurry’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Beverly Lenoir: “Dr. Lenoir had a very caring demeanor about her; she was always concerned for my well-being and I knew she cared about me as a person.” Cornell is appreciative of the quality of education he received at McMurry. He recalls visiting with a friend who went to Harvard. “I discovered that I was exposed to all the educational opportunities that she was, and the education I received was comparable to hers.”
In addition to receiving an outstanding education, Cornell points out what makes McMurry unique: “The faculty cares enough about you that they want to see you succeed and give you every opportunity to be successful.” He fondly remembers the influence of former McMurry Athletic Trainer, the late William “Doc” Hadley. “Doc was the wisdom of McMurry,” he says. “He was able to transcend many different barriers and was able to relate to all of the students he came in contact with.” Not only was Cornell influenced by Doc’s words of wisdom, he was influenced by his actions. He shares, “He always told me to do the right thing, but more importantly, he taught me that by his example.”
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