OBU Welcomes New Executives in Residence to the Paul Dickinson School of Business

September 17, 2024

OBU has announced the appointment of two distinguished leaders as Executives in Residence at the Paul Dickinson School of Business.

Richard S. Dickson, the recently retired CEO of Blue Bell Creameries, and Jeffrey A. Madison, the owner/operator of Chick-fil-A in Shawnee., will mentor business students, provide guest lectures and engage with area high school students interested in business and leadership throughout the academic year.

Both individuals began working with OBU on August 15.

Dr. David Houghton, chair of the School of Business, expressed excitement about the addition of these leaders to the university.

"The Business School already has highly qualified full-time and part-time faculty with strong academic credentials and professional experience," said Houghton. "In our pursuit of continuous improvement and excellence, we decided to pursue an executive in residence program that would add extra value to our community.”

Houghton further highlighted the contributions Dickson and Madison bring to the program.

“Both Madison and Dickson are men of faith,” Houghton said. “In leading their businesses, they have carefully considered how their Christian worldview helps their businesses to succeed and their employees to thrive.”

Dickson's career with Blue Bell spanned over four decades, during which he rose through the ranks from a territory manager to eventually becoming the company's CEO. After 43 years of service, Dickson retired from Blue Bell in March 2024.

Throughout his career, Dickson has been deeply involved in community organizations, serving on the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce board of directors and as president of Faith Mission, a non-profit organization assisting the homeless and working poor.

Dickson was ordained in 1987 at First Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas and served as Chairman of the deacons at Central Baptist Church in Bryan, Texas in 2022. He is the author of the book, “One Scoop at a Time.”

Madison, a 1985 graduate of Harrah High School, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from East Central University in 1989 and a Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University in 1997.

Madison’s career includes 26 years of service in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel in 2015. He became Chick-fil-A Shawnee's first owner/operator in 2014, where he now leads a team of approximately 75 leaders and members.

Beyond his business accomplishments, Madison is actively involved in mentoring local professionals, sponsoring Chick-fil-A Leader Academies at several area high schools, and volunteering his time with various organizations including OBU, Shawnee Forward and the Avedis Foundation.

“Jeff’s significant military experience and Chick-fil-A franchise leadership will help our students see leadership in new ways,” Houghton said, “and Ricky’s leadership of a national brand gives our students a unique understanding of brand management."