Susan DeVore

Why did you choose UNC Charlotte?

I was one of seven children, and I wanted to pay for college myself. When I received the Bonnie Cone Scholarship and I reviewed the business program, I thought it was the place for me. By working through college, and with the scholarship, I was able to put myself through college and pay all expenses.

Susan DeVore
1981
Business Administration
Susan DeVore is President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier, Inc., a healthcare performance improvement alliance. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1981. She was the featured speaker of the Fall 2016 CEO Speaker Series.
What opportunities did you have at UNC Charlotte?    

I worked throughout college and was a Bonnie E. Cone scholar so I studied all the time.  I was a little sister to the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.  

What was the best part of your Belk College experience?

The best part of my Belk College experience was the people I met, the teachers I got to know and the terrific education I received.

What was your first job after graduation?

My first job after graduation was as an advanced staff consultant at Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young) in their healthcare consulting practice in Charlotte.

How did the Belk College help prepare you for your career?

Belk College and life and career experience has taught me that college is all about “learning to learn,” and that business principles are applicable across all industry groups. I was able to get a very foundational, grounded grasp of all kinds of business principles – finance, accounting, marketing, policy, economics and organizational design.  All of these learnings have been applied in many ways to many different industries over the years.

What advice do you have for current Belk College students?

Go to graduate school as soon as you can. The marketplace is competitive. Absorb as much as you can, but more importantly, learn how to learn so that you will be able to pursue all the opportunities, as varied as they may be, in a career after college.  “Wow” your professors with your work and your insights while you’re in college because you will need to learn how to “wow” your bosses and your customers in your career later. Add energy to your classes --- speak up, debate, challenge, offer to do tough assignments in teams. All of these skills will help you later.

Anything else to share?

UNC Charlotte has come such a long way in the last 30+ years with so many more offerings. I wish I could be a student there now!

Return to Faces of Belk College main page

View More Faces of Belk College