CME Alumni

CME alumni are leaders, innovators, and mentors. Learn how our graduates are making an impact and how they continue to shape the future of CME long after graduation.

CME Graduation Class of 2021

"By the time I graduated, I had three years of full-time experience. That really helped set me up for success as I entered the workforce — not just with confidence, but with a résumé that stood out."

Lauren Kiel-Clarke

Center for Manufacturing Excellence Graduate

Graduates of the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence go on to do remarkable things.

Whether they studied engineering, business, or accountancy, CME alumni leave the program with a well-rounded skill set that sets them apart in the workforce. With real-world experience, industry exposure, and the ability to work across disciplines, they’re prepared to lead in high-stakes environments from day one.

You’ll find CME alumni at companies like NASA, Tesla, ExxonMobil, Parker Hannifin, Boeing, PwC, ABB, McKinsey, Deloitte, and more. They’re not just employees — they’re innovators, team leads, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers shaping the future of manufacturing and beyond.

Alumni Voices

Real Impact

Watch how CME transformed hands-on experience into career opportunities for our alumni.

Supporting CME, Giving Back

The connection to CME doesn’t end at graduation. Our alumni remain an integral part of the Center — mentoring students, shaping programming, and serving on the CME Alumni Board. Their experiences in industry help keep the CME curriculum grounded, relevant, and forward-thinking.

The CME Alumni Board plays an active role in:

  • Offering mentorship and advice to current students

  • Guiding alumni engagement strategy

  • Supporting CME recruitment efforts

  • Building a strong professional network across disciplines

For alumni like Lauren Kiel-Clarke, staying connected is personal. “The alumni who get involved with the board do it because we’re passionate about what CME gave us — and we want to make sure future students get the same great experience,” she said. 

CME Alumni Board Members

Lauren Kiel-Clarke, President
McKinsey & Company