Meet Harrison Simm, the first graduate of the College of Business and Technology's Supply Chain Management program at ETSU. Harrison is a Johnson City native and chose to attend ETSU because of his love for the area and ETSU's personalized attention and opportunities for growth.
Choosing to major in Supply Chain Management was a result of Harrison's interaction with mentors like Dr. Matt Jenkins, the program coordinator, who guided him towards this field. Despite facing challenges, such as needing to complete an extensive workload in his senior year, Harrison appreciated Dr. Jenkins' support and dedication.
Harrison Simm
Harrison Simm
After the creation of the Supply Chain Management program, Harrison, who was originally a Marketing major, approached Dr. Jenkins because he wanted to switch his academic path. “I talked to Dr. Jenkins at the end of last year and told him that I wanted to switch majors, but I would still like to graduate this May.” stated Harrison, “Dr. Jenkins was patient with me and explained all my options. He ended up helping me create an 18-hour schedule for both my spring and fall semesters that would include all the new supply chain classes. This allowed me to switch my degree and still be able to graduate on time.”
When asked what his favorite part of the program was, Harrison shared that he enjoyed the upper-level courses that provided practical, hands-on experience. One notable project involved collaborating with Eastman, giving him a real-world understanding of sourcing, outsourcing, and the intricacies of supply chain management. Harrison valued these experiences as they provided insights beyond textbooks and prepared him for the professional world.
As the first graduate of the program, Harrison feels a sense of pride and accomplishment. He took on the challenge head-on, proving to himself that he could successfully complete the rigorous coursework and graduate on time. Harrison's achievement sets a benchmark for future graduates and serves as an inspiration for those considering the Supply Chain Management program at ETSU.
Looking ahead, Harrison plans to begin his career in logistics in Knoxville. Equipped with the knowledge and practical experiences gained during his time in the program, he feels confident about his prospects in the field. Harrison's dedication, perseverance, and passion for supply chain management have laid a strong foundation for his future success.