University of the Cumberlands was pleased to present the Honorary Doctor of Law Degree to Dr. Tony L. Ingram, former executive vice president of CSX Transportation, during the Feb. 8 convocation.
Dr. Ingram addressed faculty and students stating that it would be wonderful to become a student once again with the knowledge he now possessed. Ingram said it was his desire to leave students with some insight about leadership. Ingram mentioned key leadership principles including: integrity, trustworthiness, honesty, loyalty, respect, and passion. Ingram stated, “Passion is the key to leadership. It takes personal sacrifice to be a leader, and a leader is only as important as the employees. Always have honesty, people will long remember mistakes that people try to cover up rather than those they come clean about. You are the coach; you have to have these qualities to set the course for the team.”
A graduate of Jacksonville State University in Alabama, Dr. Ingram initially wanted to go into banking, until an interview with the Southern Railway heightened his interest in the railroad. Ingram worked for the Southern Railway Company and Norfolk Southern Corporation until he joined CSX Transportation in 2004. His 39-year career has been one that provided insight into effective leadership in the challenging 24-7 railroad industry. As a result of Ingram’s leadership, CSX Transportation received a Special Commendation Award in 2008 for its outstanding safety and performance improvements with regard to the Federal Railroad Administration’s personal injury rate.
Recently retired from CSX Transportation as executive vice president and chief operating officer, Ingram currently serves as chairman of the Association of American Railroad (AAR) Safety Operation Management Committee. He also serves as chairman, president, or director for seven other railroad organizations. Ingram currently resides in Jacksonville, Fla.
