03/16/12 ema

HAYS, Kan. -- Originally from Great Bend, Skip Yowell's journey to Seattle led him to the top of the outdoor industry and around the world. Yowell helped build one of the most recognized brand names for that type of product, JanSport.

Yowell, co-founder of JanSport, will speak from 2:30 to 3:20 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, as part of Fort Hays State University's Entrepreneur Direct Series in EagleCommunications Hall in the university's Robbins Center.

JanSport is known for its high-quality sporting and collegiate gear which is sold world wide.

Described as a very dynamic, entertaining and "outside the box" person, Yowell attributes his personality and success to growing up on the Kansas plains.

He wrote a book called "The Hippie Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder and Other Mountains."

Yowell continues to travel the world representing JanSport, but has recently returned to his roots in Kansas and has purchased a house in the small Graham Countytown of St. Peter.

The public is invited to the free presentation.

For more information, contact Dr. Mark Bannister, dean of the College of Businessand Leadership, at 785-628-5339 or email markbannister@fhsu.edu. Also visit www.skipyowell.com.