Laureates' Biographies
June M. Morris
Acclaimed for building one of the nation's most successful woman-owned company, June B. Morris grew up in a small town, Manti, Utah, that didn't have an airport or even a fast lane. Her journey from humble beginnings to success, was driven by Morris' self-determination, integrity, and creativity.
When Morris was 11, her family moved to Salt Lake City, where she attended West High School, Steven-Henager Business College, and the University of Utah.
in 1970, with 30 of experience, Morris went into business for herself and built the comapny that brought low airfares to Utah, Morris Travel.
Morris Air was founded in 1984 as a charter operation of Morris Travel and offered low-cost fares, as well as travel packages to Hawaii, Mexico, and Alaska. By 1992, Morris Air was providing service to 28 western cities. Eventually, the company operated a fleet of 25 737-300 aircraft carriers.
in 1993, Morris Air was ranked as Utah's number one, and the nation's 33rd, largest woman-owned-and-operated business. As chief executive officer of the company, Morris rejuvenated Utah's travel industry while leading a company of valued employees. Her passion was building and watching the business grow, identifying a need, seeing a niche to be filled, and figuring how to accomplish the job while enjoying the adventure of discovery.
Morris often remarks that her greatest teacher was her husband, Mitchell, who taught her to create a work environment that encourages creativity and co-empowerment. Travel literally means the world to Morris--along with her husband, she had visited close to every country on earth, including Antarctica.
Morris Air was sold to Southwest Airlines in 1994, after striking an agreement that included the promise to keep Utah markets open and affordable. Morris stayed on to serve as a member of the Southwest Airlines Board of Directors.
Along with her corporate endeavors, she has contributed to local and state social agencies, and served as a trustee on more than a dozen universities, government, corporate, and civic baords of directors.
Looking back philosophically on her company's success, Morris said, "People--employees, clients, everyone--need to be heard and valued. Ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they are open to allowing the contributions of their peers."
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