John Ward, CEO of Hatteras/Cabo Yachts, checks out one of the company’s products.
Thirty-six years ago, John Ward received his Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Mississippi. On April 14, the successful alumnus returns to his alma mater to receive the 2016 Engineer of Distinction Award.
“This is quite an honor and one that I am truly humbled by,” said Ward, president and CEO of Hatteras/Cabo Yachts in New Bern, North Carolina. “I’m hopeful I can give more in the future, as I have learned that giving to others is a wonderful and satisfying thing.”
Originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Ward transferred to UM from the University of Florida. He came to the university because of the BE program and the fact that several family members attended Ole Miss. Ward also liked the fact that the university was an SEC school, but much smaller than many of the other members.
“The first person I met was Damon Wall (deceased professor emeritus of electrical engineering), who quickly became my mentor,” he said. “He was a wonderful man who understood my academic and transitional challenges, along with having this great sense of guidance and support. I maintained a great relationship with Mr. Wall during my time at Ole Miss.”
Wards also remembers Tyrus McCarty, associate professor of mechanical engineering, who at the time was a graduate assistant in the School of Engineering and taught an ME class.
“This was a man who was extremely helpful and carried a genuine interest in ensuring I understood what he was teaching,” Ward said. “I remember spending many hours in his office getting the help I needed.”
The BE program allowed Ward to take several non-engineering classes, where he focused primarily in business.
“Marketing and Business Ethics were two classes that I really enjoyed and still remember and reference today,” he said.
Hatteras/Cabo Yachts manufactures luxury yachts from 45 to 100 feet in length. The company has been in business for 57 years and is owned by a private equity group in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Ward recently made a commitment to give back to Ole Miss and the School of Engineering.
“I have made a few guest lectures at Dr. Cheng’s leadership class,” he said. “This has truly been an exciting way for me to share with students what is possible in life and career.”
He remembers being where these students are some 36 years ago, and facing the often-daunting transition from the academic world into the professional world.
“I love sharing my story on how one can leverage their education as the foundation to achieve whatever in their life and career they desire,” Ward said. “Additionally, I have also done a few what I call ‘lunch and learns’ with students. This is an informal gathering for lunch with a group of students that can ask any question they want.
“Again, a great opportunity to talk about careers, leadership, challenges, success and all that goes into building a successful career and life.”
Several students expressed their gratitude for Ward’s time with them.
“I found Mr. Ward to be very interesting, and he provided a valuable out-of-classroom perspective,” said Sam Berry, a freshman from Flowood. “I appreciate the opportunity and would be thrilled to attend any similar events in the future.”
Ben Branson of East Madison said lunch with Ward was “definitely interesting (and tasty).”
“He greatly stressed the need for project management skills for engineers and business people alike,” Branson said. “He was fairly frank, which helped give me an honest impression of his business and how he goes about being successful at his job. I appreciated how a CEO such as him had two hours to spend with students.”
Meeting Ward greatly benefited Travis Fortin, a junior from Pass Christian.
“Mr. Ward had many insightful things to say,” he said. “However, it was equally beneficial to watch and learn how he interacted with others during a meeting.”
Ward and his wife, Aimee, have three children.
“Spencer, my oldest son, graduated from Ole Miss in 2005 with a degree in business and works in the online education world,” he said. “Price, my middle son, is a physician, and my daughter, Elisabeth, works for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.”
His passions are aviation and boating.