CIM Patron
Wade Poston
Title: Member of the Board of Directors of the CIM Patrons Group for MTSU
Employer: Middle Tennessee State University
“I have very strong feelings about the CIM industry and education partnership. It has been touted by the United States Secretary of Education as a model for all universities on the relationship between industry and academia. ”
What is your involvement in the CIM program? Why did you get involved with the program?
I have been involved with the CIM program since its conception in 1995. I am a past president and present member of the Board of Directors of the CIM Patrons Group for MTSU. I have also served as an adjunct professor at MTSU. I participate regularly as a guest lecturer and have assisted the staff with various initiatives in support of CIM, including working closely with the president of MTSU. I sincerely believed this program would enhance the image of the concrete industry while providing much needed management and technical training for future leaders of our Industry.
Why have you and your company made the commitment to the CIM program? What benefits do you think it will bring to your company?
The CIM program has shown the ability to take the concrete industry to a new level of professionalism through education – improving the overall image of concrete and the concrete industry. The cement industry as a whole, not just Holcim, has always been committed to education. Where can you find a better value for your time, talent and treasure than investing in education of your own Industry? Holcim has used the CIM program as a training ground and has successfully filled positions from logistics to sales with program graduates.
What are your thoughts about the industry/academic partnership between CIM and its industry partners and patrons?
I have very strong feelings about the CIM industry and education partnership. It has been touted by the United States Secretary of Education as a model for all universities on the relationship between industry and academia. The Governor of Tennessee has stated that the CIM program should be used as a model for other universities to ensure that the end product is something that Industries desire. This relationship between the concrete industry and the university is unique. The CIM program has incorporated specific requirements from Industry which results in a higher percentage of graduates being placed after graduation.
Why should other companies in the concrete industry get involved in the CIM program?
All companies in the concrete industry should support the CIM program because it gives the industry knowledgeable managers and creates a higher professionalism in the industry. This means that more companies will be run in a business-like manner which helps every single owner and manager. The CIM program gives everyone in the Industry a unique way to learn new technologies and employ graduates that can carry their business to the next level.
How can they get involved?
There are many ways to get involved. Use your time, talent, and treasure. Time: Lecture and help out with community projects. Talent: Share your experiences and expertise and mentor students. Treasure: Donate to the patrons which are always looking for funds to assist the learning experience for the students of CIM.