Drive and determination has taken ISU alumnus Isaiah ‘Ike’ Harris from Cyclone football player to president of BellSouth Enterprise.

Harris was listed among the “Top 75 Most Powerful African-Americans in Corporate America” in the February issue of Black Enterprise Magazine.

Qualifications for the award required each candidate be among the highest-ranking executives within their corporation. They also must hold a senior management position at a company that sells public stock and that has gross revenues of at least $1 billion a year, according to the article.

A native of West Memphis, Ark., Harris said he chose to attend Iowa State because it was the only university that offered him a full scholarship to play football. He played split end for Iowa State, and graduated in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He moved on to the University of Minnesota, where he completed his executive master’s degree in business administration. He is a certified public accountant.

Harris said the biggest challenge in today’s business world is bridging the cultural gap between races.

“All the stereotypes and beliefs that are brought to the career world need to be broken down before I can do anything successful,” Harris said.

He also said it is important for students to receive as much education as possible, and continue to work on their communication skills.

“Iowa State was a great experience for me. It helped me develop the skills I needed through education, and I also met my wife of 32 years there,” Harris said.

Harris said his favorite faculty member, former accounting professor Donald Brown, made the class fun by giving quizzes on Mondays if the football team lost Friday’s game.

Brown, now retired, said Harris was very serious, personable and confident, and had an excellent personality. He also said Harris never let other activities interfere with his academic career.

After Harris’ Cyclone football experience, he moved on to the NFL for eight years as a wide receiver for the St. Louis Cardinals, which has since become the Arizona Cardinals, and the New Orleans Saints.

“The main lesson for athletics on all levels is preparation, performance and recovery,” Harris said. “Preparation is the foundation, and then [athletes must] learn to become better.”

Harris’ dedication and support for Iowa State is demonstrated in his involvement with the university. He is a longtime member of the ISU Foundation Board of Governors, serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Business and was honored as Cy’s Favorite Alum in 1991, an athletic department honor for alumni whose accomplishments have earned them special distinction.

“Harris is a classy guy, and we are proud of his accomplishments. He is very valuable to me as a dean,” said Labh Hira, dean of the College of Business.