John Donald Anderson graduated from Furman in 1966 with a degree in business administration. He was employed with Columbia Beauty Supply for 41 years. In 1978, he became part owner of the company, and in 1988, he became president and owner until the company was sold to L'Oreal in 2008. He was also the owner of Pinnacle Institute of Cosmetology, Inc.until he sold the company in 2015. He has also served as Past President of the industry's national association.

In addition, Mr. Anderson serves as chairman of the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Charlotte. He has also served as Elder and Deacon at Providence Presbyterian Church and as Chairman for several major building campaigns while at Providence. He is currently a member of Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, N.C. and serves on the Finance Committee. He has also been a Stephens Minister for over six years.

Mr. Anderson has also sponsored a research study for bladder cancer at Levine Cancer Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, a research fellowship for Breast Cancer at the City of Hope in Durant, California, and a room at the Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Don and his wife, Elizabeth, have two children, Brian '92 and Beth and four grandchildren.