Charles Doty (center) participates on a panel judging the Gillespie Business Plan Competition at the University of Mississippi. Photo by Bill Dabney/UM Foundation
Business school alumnus hopes to encourage young entrepreneurs
Charles Doty‘s recent gift to the University of Mississippi will help School of Business Administration students participating in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The Atlanta resident’s $150,000 gift establishes the Charles R. Doty CIE Support Fund to provide resources for business plan competitions and Career Treks, which connect students with employers to find highly sought-after job and internship opportunities.
“I knew I wanted to do something for Ole Miss, and I spent time considering the issues and areas that mean something to me,” said Doty, co-CEO of Asset Preservation Advisors, an investment advisory firm that specializes in managing municipal bond portfolios.
“I felt like the CIE was a great option because it would allow me to share my experiences – both good and bad – with students pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors.”
Doty recently served as a judge of the CIE-hosted Gillespie Business Plan Competition, in which students pitch ideas for a chance to win cash awards. He offers a $10,000 prize to a student entrepreneur venture team or individual who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit through a venture driven by innovation in a product, process or service.
The center’s mission is to inspire Ole Miss students to create innovative businesses.
“I have enjoyed getting to know Charles through his service on our advisory board and I appreciate his desire to participate in the many great things we have here in the CIE,” said Clay Dibrell, the center’s co-director. “I’m equally grateful for his generous gift, which will greatly help in continuing our innovative interactions with our students, preparing them to become highly successful in the businesses they establish.”
After graduating from UM in 1983 with a business degree, Doty joined the Trust Company Bank in the Capital Markets Division. He also founded Atlanta Washer and Dryer Leasing, which turned into Appliance Warehouse and was ultimately sold to Coinmach Laundry.
“I have started a couple of businesses and have experience – from raising capital, running and growing the business and selling the business to a publicly traded company,” Doty said. “I believe in the four Ts of treasure, time, talent and ties.
“So, I look forward to spending time, sharing my learned talents and earned treasure at the university where I have developed many ties.”
Doty has been with APA since 2002 and in the municipal bond business for more than 35 years. He worked for SunTrust Equitable Securities for 16 years, eventually serving as director of national institutional municipal sales. In 1999, he co-founded Municipal Trade, an online public finance investment bank, as president and COO.
He is a former board chair of Prevent Blindness Georgia and a past advisory board member at Skyland Trail, George West Mental Health Foundation. He is a member of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts and the Southern Municipal Finance Society.
A lifelong Rebel fan, Doty grew up in Senatobia, only 45 miles from campus.
“I remember watching Archie play from 1968 to 1970,” he said. “I knew then that I wanted to attend Ole Miss and never thought about going anywhere else.”
To make a gift to the Charles R. Doty CIE Support Fund, mail a check, with the fund’s name noted in the memo line, to the University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University Ave., Oxford MS 38655, or click here.
By Bill Dabney
