CIM Faculty/Staff Member
Jon Huddleston, Middle Tennessee State University
School: Middle Tennessee State University
Which CIM program are you involved with and what are your responsibilities?
I became the director of the CIM program at MTSU in August 2020 and the CIM MBA Director in August 2021. My primary responsibilities include program and building fundraising as well as an owner representative, CIM accreditation and promoting the CIM program to both the concrete industry and prospective students.
How did you become involved with this school and the CIM program?
I was originally recruited to the CIM program as a prospective student in 2001. I was amazed at what the program had to offer and the level of industry involvement. I earned my degree in CIM in 2006. While working on my MBA, I offered to help teach labs for the CIM program and there I found a true passion for teaching. I moved from a teaching assistant to lab manager role and in August 2014, I joined the faculty as an assistant professor.
Why should incoming students consider CIM as a major course of study?
Students will never find the same support structure that CIM offers. The concrete industry funds scholarships and fosters a first-class learning environment which includes daily interaction between students and industry professionals.
Can you describe the different career paths that graduates of the CIM program can take?
The numerous career opportunities for graduates range from sales/ technical sales, plant management, supply chain management, information technology and quality control. The list of career paths is truly infinite. We are seeing alumni become regional managers, vice presidents, as well as becoming business owners.
What is your vision for the CIM program?
MTSU CIM has traditionally focused on the ready-mix sector and will continue to do so. However, we are seeing a great deal of growth in our market from the manufactured concrete products sector and we would like to expand our academic reach into that area. Also, once we complete the new building in August 2022, we plan to start introducing new experiential learning opportunities for students and would like to see a new project opportunity come online every five years to help continue interest in the program and keep it at the forefront in a recruit’s mind.