Merl F. Code Named to Furman University's Board of Trustees

GREENVILLE – May 23, 2006 – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins), is pleased to announce that Merl F. Code, an attorney in the firm’s Greenville office, has been elected to the Furman University Board of Trustees. Mr. Code will serve a three-year term on the Board beginning July 1.

Comprised of more than thirty members, Furman’s Board of Trustees provides leadership and guidance to the University. The Board meets three times a year and helps fashion the University’s policies and practices. Members are required to be on the Board for three years and are eligible to serve two consecutive terms.

“It’s an honor for me to be named to the Board of Trustees. Over the years I have been active on the University’s Advisory Board and have had the pleasure of seeing the University grow and impact our community,” said Code. “I look forward to serving as a Trustee member and supporting President Shi and his administration over the next several years.”

Mr. Code has served on numerous boards in the education community, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of The South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, University Center of Greenville, and Clemson Advisory Board.  He has previously served on the Board of Trustees of the College of Charleston, Clemson University Commission For The Future, and the Advisory Board of The University of South Carolina School of Law.  In addition to his involvement in the education community, Mr. Code participates on several other boards including Blue Cross/Blue Shield of South Carolina, BB&T, The United Way, and the Hollingsworth Fund.

About Furman University

Founded in 1826, Furman University is an independent liberal arts college located in Greenville, South Carolina. The campus stretches across 750 acres and is nationally acclaimed for its academic excellence. Best known for its history, psychology, political science, music, and chemistry departments, the University educates approximately 2,600 undergraduate and 500 graduate students each year.

About Ogletree Deakins

Ogletree Deakins is the nation’s third largest labor and employment law firm, representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. The firm has more than 300 lawyers located in 24 offices from Miami to Los Angeles. In addition to handling labor and employment law matters, the firm has thriving practices focused on business immigration, employee benefits, and workplace safety and health law.  Ogletree Deakins represents a diverse range of clients, including more than half of the Fortune 50 corporations in the U.S.

For more information, please contact Karen Gonzales, communications manager, at 210-277-3606.