ALLIANCE — In honor of his dedication to strengthening the Alliance community, University of Mount Union President Gregory L. King ’89 was honored as the Spirit of Enterprise Award recipient at the 2026 Business Alliance Awards.
 
The award is given out annually to an individual who demonstrates a deep commitment to Alliance-area businesses through service and innovation. King not only leads Mount Union’s 700-plus employees, but he has also collaborated with and supported numerous area businesses throughout his career.
 
King has spent his entire career with Mount Union in various leadership roles, all of which have kept the goals of students and the campus community at the forefront. Leading the University through a unique time in higher education, he has guided the institution with a strong, forward-looking vision that supports students and colleagues.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Spirit of Enterprise Award. While I am grateful for this recognition, I have always believed that no one achieves anything meaningful alone," King said. "I have been incredibly fortunate to spend nearly four decades as part of the Mount Union community, surrounded by dedicated colleagues, trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners whose commitment and passion make our success possible. Together, we have strengthened Mount Union's impact on our students and our community, and I am proud of what we have accomplished. That work has reinforced a belief that has guided me throughout my career: I’ve often said, a strong Mount Union makes for a stronger Alliance, and a stronger Alliance allows for a strong Mount Union."