James E Ferrell

Since 1965, Ferrellgas has grown from a single location in Atchison, Kan., into the nation’s largest propane retailer, with well more than 1 million customers in 45 states and one of the first companies in its industry to be traded publicly. Ferrell, an energetic and passionate champion of higher education, has contributed generously to area colleges through the years; Baker University’s gorgeous landscaping was made possible by Ferrell, and Benedictine College is indebted to him for underwriting the renovation of Freshman Hall into the now impressive Ferrell Hall. In 2003, Ferrell received the Yates Medallion from William Jewell College, the Roundtable Award for Business Achievement from Baker University and the Medal of St. Benedict from Benedictine College. 2005 named Regional Entrepreneur of the Year by the UMKC Bloch School’s Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.