President Dennis Owens Receives Alumni Service Award

Fresh Ideas President Dennis Owens was recognized for living a life of service by Southwest Baptist University at Homecoming on September 30, 2016.   Inspired by the Life Beautiful Award presented each year to one male and one female graduate, President John Dowdy suggested to the Southwest Baptist College Board of Trustees in 1955 that the Life Service Award be given annually to graduates whose lives have exemplified the principles which are upheld at Southwest. The award is the highest recognition that the University can bestow upon an alumnus or alumna.   Dennis Owens ’78 currently serves as the President and co-owner of Fresh Ideas Food Management. His history in the foodservice industry began when he was a student manager in the SBU Mellers Dining Commons. He has served in many roles at Fresh Ideas including Chief Operating Officer, Director of Operations, Regional Manager and Dining Services Director at SBU over the years, always focusing on the students and client.   Owens has been involved in the transformation of the company by increasing revenue, implementing new programs, decreasing turnover/increasing employee satisfaction, and expanding into new markets.   “I am honored to be recognized by the University that has given me a solid foundation for my career,” he wrote after being notified about receiving the award.   Owens also serves as secretary of the Bristol Park Community Association and has served as a member of the 30th Circuit Youth Advisory Board. Owens attends High Street Baptist Church in Springfield, with his wife, Brenda Owens ’82.