Calvin Seals, a 1986 graduate in computer studies with a minor in business administration, has made the most of his Millsaps College education. During his 38-year career at Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, he has risen through the ranks to be the vice president of corporate data & analytics and he credits much of his success to his alma mater.
Following completion of his coursework in December of 1985, Seals worked for several months in the Millsaps computer services department where he gained valuable, hands-on experience that helped him land the job at SFBLI in the spring of 1986.
Millsaps Computer Services Team, 1986
Millsaps equipped Seals with a versatile skill set, combining both technical expertise with interpersonal skills that are nurtured in a liberal arts setting. This foundation proved indispensable throughout his career.
“Millsaps’ emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving, two essential skills in the business world, were instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of the insurance industry,” he explained. “The small class size and high level of access to professors provided an ideal setting for learning.”
From his first job in applications development to technical services to project management and marketing, all the way to leading the fledgling corporate data & analytics department, Seals’ journey demonstrates the variety of opportunities available to people with a Millsaps education.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, guided by the rigorous academic standards instilled during his time at Millsaps. His ability to seamlessly transition between diverse roles, each demanding distinct skill sets, at SFBLI reinforces the impact of his education.
Seals recently spoke to students during the Millsaps Data Summit regarding careers in the field.
Millsaps wasn’t only a teacher, but also a matchmaker for Seals who met his wife while attending school. Charlotte Seals, a 1988 graduate, is now the superintendent for Madison County Schools, and the couple has been married for 35 years.
Seals stands as a testament to the power of education and the enduring influence of Millsaps College. He was not only equipped with the required skills for success but also instilled with a lifelong appreciation for the value of hard work and perseverance.
“My time at Millsaps left me prepared to meet the professional and personal challenges I would face after graduation,” he reflected.