CIM Patron
Jessie Anna Boone
Title: Senior National Specifications Manager
Employer: Carbon Cure
“I would like to see the number of CIM declared majors double in the next few years. I would also like to see more females graduating with a CIM degree. It’s relatively easy to get the guys to look at CIM, but not so much for the ladies. If we start building our student body with more females, that will help grow the industry.”
What is your involvement in the CIM program?
I am currently the MTSU CIM Patron’s President as well as a voting board member. I work along side the CIM professors, staff and other CIM alumni in promoting, fundraising and advancing the CIM program.
Why did you get involved with the program?
My involvement started as a student in 2006. I had just dropped out of college after a failed attempt at some of my pre-dental requirements when a friend from high school told me about the concrete program at MTSU. She was a CIM major and was thrilled with the job opportunities available to her. I made an appointment with the CIM administration office and the rest is history.
What are your thoughts about the industry/academic partnership between CIM and its industry partners and Patrons?
The concrete and construction world is ever changing and the CIM program needs industry insight to keep up with what’s new in technology and materials. Through our partnerships, some CIM graduates have segued into career paths that are industry related but not exactly concrete. The CIM program sees this as growth and a huge selling point to a student that wants to be in the industry, but not fully on board with working in ready mix. Partnerships are lucrative, both for the company and for the CIM program because it’s the best way to broaden our reach to find the next generation of leaders.
How can other companies get involved in the CIM program?
The easiest way is to contact the CIM director and ask if you can line up a social or come to campus and conduct interviews. Professors also encourage guest speakers, plant or facility tours and field training. Each program has a Patron’s group that meets regularly, and we appreciate industry involvement to further our traction in the industry.
What is your vision for the CIM program?
It is clear that we are not keeping up with industry demands when it comes to the number of graduates each year. I would like to see the number of CIM declared majors double in the next few years. I would also like to see more females graduating with a CIM degree. It’s relatively easy to get the guys to look at CIM, but not so much for the ladies. If we start building our student body with more females, that will help grow the industry.