Dr. Stephen R. Covey, leadership expert, teacher, organizational consultant and author of the best-selling book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” will speak at a Southern Virginia University Executive Lecture on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m. in the Stoddard Activities Center.

Time Magazine has named Covey one of the 25 most influential people in the U.S. He has written a number of books including “First Things First,” “Principle-Centered Leadership” and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families.” In 2008, Covey released “The Leader In Me—How Schools and Parents Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time.” “The Leader in Me” highlights how an elementary school in Raleigh, North Carolina, made great strides by incorporating leadership skills into its curriculum. Because of this school’s success, many others have followed suit and achieved remarkable results.

Covey has received numerous awards including International Man of Peace and the National Fatherhood Award. He is co-founder and vice chairman of FranklinCovey, a leading global professional services firm with offices in 123 countries.

Covey holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Utah, an MBA from Harvard University and a doctorate of religious education from Brigham Young University. Covey and his wife, Sandra, have nine children and more than forty grandchildren.

Local community members and Southern Virginia faculty, staff and students are invited to attend this special executive lecture.