KNOXVILLE — David Ecklund has joined the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as director of the Global Supply Chain Management Executive MBA program in the College of Business Administration. He also will be a lecturer in logistics for undergraduate, graduate, executive-level degree and non-degree programs.
Dave EcklundEcklund’s academic career follows a successful 31-year career in industry with Caterpillar Inc., where he served in a number of positions including product development, marketing and distribution functions supporting Caterpillar’s construction machinery, engine and service parts businesses.
Ecklund was instrumental in the development of two new businesses for Caterpillar: Caterpillar Remanufactured Products and Caterpillar Logistics Services (Cat Logistics). His responsibilities at Cat Logistics included the development of the company’s business in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region and leadership roles in the automotive, industrial, technology and consumer durables market sectors.
The development of the new Global Supply Chain Management Executive MBA Program will allow UT to leverage its expertise and reputation in supply chain management and executive education. Global supply chain programs are in increasing demand because of the unique supply chain challenges companies must address to pursue global business opportunities.
“UT’s program, which will begin in 2010, will distinguish itself with its faculty having extensive academic, industry and cultural experience,” Ecklund said. “Students will meet in locations around the world, immersing themselves in the business, supply chain, leadership and cultural issues that are fundamental to success in the global marketplace.”
Ecklund has a bachelor’s degree in industrial administration from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Arkansas. He has completed Northwestern University’s Logistics and Distribution Executive Program and the Center for Creative Leadership European Executive Program.
He received the La Medaille d’Honneur from the Department of Moselle in France for Cat Logistics’ contribution to the development of business in the region; the Bell Tower of Fame Award from Greene County, Iowa, for professional accomplishments that have had international significance; and Iowa State University’s Citation of Achievement for an alumnus who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in life beyond the campus.
Ecklund is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Business at Iowa State University and a past member of the Institute of Directors (United Kingdom), Institute of Logistics (United Kingdom) and Council of Logistics Management (U.S.).
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Contact:
Cindy Raines, (865) 974-4359, craines1@utk.edu