Alumnus Jerry Kent honored with Legacy Entrepreneur Award

Olin alum Jerry Kent, whose career includes the founding and stewardship of Charter Communications as well as newer technology-oriented companies, was honored by St. Louis Inno with its Legacy Entrepreneur Award.

The award was part of St. Louis Inno’s Fire Awards, which recognize companies in the region that are finding entrepreneurial success. The event was held July 9.

Kent, BSBA 1978, MBA 1979, began his career as a CPA with Arthur Andersen in 1979 and in 1983 left to head up acquisitions and finance for an upstart cable company, Cencom Cable Associates Inc. He became CFO of Cencom, and later left to cofound Charter Communications Inc., in 1993. He led Charter as president and CEO until 2001.

Since that time, Kent has founded private investment firm Cequel III, which is focused on growth-oriented companies in technology, communications and business services. He also leads TierPoint, a St. Louis IT services provider and enterprise data center company.

He serves on the WashU Board of Trustees and the Olin National Council. Kent received Olin’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1999 and the Dean’s Medal in 2009. He and his wife, Judy, have committed millions to support undergraduate scholarships at Olin.

In an interview with St. Louis Inno, Kent reflects on his career journey, as well as his continuing entrepreneurial drive.

I’ve never been more energized or enthusiastic about getting up in the morning and going to work.

Jerry Kent