Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 04/02/01
      Contact:                           Angey Saucier  24

Editors: Photo accompanies release
HAMMOND ENTREPRENEUR IS SLU EMBA EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE
     HAMMOND -- Edwin H. Neill II , Hammond entrepreneur and CEO of Neill
Corporation, has been named executive in residence for Southeastern Louisiana University's
Executive Master of Business Administration program. Neill is the Southeastern EMBA
program's second executive in residence.
     A leader of innovative business, education and management techniques, Neill has
dedicated his career and his companies to the development of the salon industry.  With a
relentlessly determined vision, he has created a diversified organization that employs over 300
people.
     Neill Corporation incorporates Aveda Concept Distribution, Paris Parker Salons and
Spas, Integrated Learning Institute, Neill Institute - An Aveda Share School, eight Aveda
Environmental Lifestyle Stores, Neill Creative, an in-house design group supporting Aveda
Concept Salons, Extended Technologies, a computer software development company, and Vital
Information Systems, a computer hardware reselling company.
     Neill attributes a great deal of his success to his participation in ongoing education. He
has studied Critical Thinking Skills with Charles Krone, Total Quality Management with Dr.
Deming prior to his death, and has a Bachelor of Science in Business from Louisiana State
University.
     Neill also recognizes the value of networking with other industry professionals. He was a
board member of the Beauty and Barber Supply Institute from 1976-1983, and President of that
organization in 1984. In 1992,1993, and 1995, Edwin served on the Nomination Committee of
the Beauty and Barber Supply Institute as well. He has served as an Aveda Corporation Advisory
Board Member from 1980 - present, and currently is an International Spa and Fitness Association 
board member. Neill also served as chairman of the International Spa and Fitness Association
Strategic Planning Committee and on the Executive Council of I/SPA.
     Neill acknowledges his parents, Abner and Harriet Neill, for their guidance and
encouragement throughout his life, and his wife, Debra Neill, for her tireless support, motivation
and endless contributions - at home and at work.
     Neill has turned Neill Corp. into a living laboratory for management science through his
progressive business design. He bases his company on core values that include integrity,
sustainability, vitality, authenticity, contribution, adaptability and evolution. Neill is also
committed to creating a diversified organization that encompasses his values and ethics, and
encourages each person he interacts with to reach their full potential.
     Through Southeastern's EMBA program, which is tailored for working professionals,
students take 11 graduate courses over 17 months, attending class primarily on Saturdays.
Classes, held at St. Joseph's Seminary College in Covington, are taught by Southeastern and
adjunct faculty selected for their ability to teach experienced adults. Currently, 11 students are
enrolled in the third EMBA class and seven in the second class.
     For additional information about the EMBA program, contact Josie Walker at
504-549-2146 or jwalker@selu.edu. Information is also available online at
www.selu.edu/Academics/Business/emba.htm.
                            - SLU -
Release available on the web at www.selu.edu/NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newsp01.htm