History of CME
Born from a statewide effort to strengthen the manufacturing workforce, CME continues to set a national standard in education and industry collaboration.
“I am honored that the University of Mississippi has named this new Center for Manufacturing Excellence for me. During my terms as governor, one of our most important accomplishments was the creation of higher skilled, higher paying manufacturing jobs. I am grateful to the university for this personal recognition, but even more grateful for the important work that has been and will be done at the CME to support a wide variety of manufacturing industries and companies in Mississippi and beyond.”
Governor Haley Barbour
It all began with a bold vision.
The Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence (CME) was established in 2008 through a bold collaboration between the State of Mississippi, the University of Mississippi, and Toyota Motor Corporation.
The goal: to create a nationally distinctive model for manufacturing education—one that would prepare future leaders to thrive in a rapidly changing, highly technical, and collaborative industry.
The Center was named in honor of Mississippi’s then-governor, Haley Barbour, whose leadership helped secure the development of Toyota’s Blue Springs plant and championed investments in workforce readiness that would serve both the state and the region.
About Governor Haley Barbour
Born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Haley Barbour served two terms as the state’s governor beginning in 2004. Known for his economic development leadership, Gov. Barbour helped bring transformative projects to Mississippi across the energy, aerospace, and automotive sectors. One of the most notable achievements of his administration was Toyota’s 2007 decision to locate its newest U.S. auto assembly plant in Blue Springs — the most sought-after economic development project in the country at the time. His efforts to position Mississippi as a hub for advanced manufacturing played a key role in the founding vision for the Center for Manufacturing Excellence.
Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour speaks at the Center for Manufacturing Excellence.
Where It All Started
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2008
The Center for Manufacturing Excellence is announced. Dr. James Vaughan was named founding director and began developing the CME curriculum. That same year, construction began on CME’s LEED-certified, 47,000-square-foot facility.
Read More: Ole Miss, Toyota Team Up for Center -
2010
CME welcomed its first class of 27 freshmen — a select cohort representing engineering, accountancy, and business.
Learn More About Our Admissions Process -
2012
The facility was officially named the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence, in honor of the governor whose vision helped launch the center.
Learn More About Our Facility -
2014
CME celebrated its first graduating class, sending students into the workforce equipped with real-world experience and industry knowledge.
See How CME Prepares Students for Employment -
2015
Founding director Dr. James Vaughan retired after 35 years of service to the university.
Learn More about Dr. James Vaughan -
2021
Dr. Scott Kilpatrick became CME’s third director, continuing to lead with a student-focused, industry-connected approach.
Read an Interview with CME Executive Director Scott Kilpatrick -
2024
CME hosts first study abroad experience.
Learn More: CME Course Immerses Students in Japanese Industry, Culture