Lincoln Memorial University students in the School of Business are gaining hands-on experience this fall through a new partnership with Technology for Energy Corporation (TEC-USA), a Knoxville-based engineering firm led by LMU alumnus Mitch Turner.
The collaboration brings real-world application into the classroom as students in MKTG 310: Advertising work directly with TEC-USA on marketing strategies for two newly launched products.
Students are working in teams as if they were agency consultants, with TEC-USA acting as the client. The semester-long project is designed to sharpen their creative, strategic, and communication skills while contributing directly to the company’s business goals.
“This is the kind of real-world engagement we want our students to experience,” said Dean Kelsey Metz. “Working with a company like TEC, under the leadership of one of our own alumni, bridges classroom learning with industry application.”
The project officially launched with a recent kickoff event at the School of Business where TEC executives—including Turner and Director of Marketing & Strategic Operations Hailey Soto—met with students, introduced the products, and participated in a networking reception.
“We are so excited to partner with LMU on this experiential learning opportunity,” Soto said. “Collaborating with these talented students not only provides them with valuable real-world experience, but it also gives our company fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that help us grow.”
Turner, who earned his BBA from LMU in 2006, has maintained close ties to the university and initiated the partnership as a way to give back to the school that helped launch his own career.
“The partnership between TEC and LMU represents a powerful alignment of innovation and education,” Turner said. “It’s an exciting opportunity—not only for our organization, but especially for the students. As an LMU alumnus, this collaboration holds special meaning for me. I’m deeply grateful for the foundation LMU gave me.”
The initiative provides mutual benefits: students get to tackle real marketing challenges that impact a company’s bottom line, while TEC receives creative input from the next generation of business professionals.
“This initiative doesn’t just extend our brand—it strengthens the community, empowers future leaders, and brings learning to life in a truly impactful way,” Turner added.
Turner’s relationship with LMU is deeply rooted. His wife, Danielle, brother Buck Turner, sister-in-law Josette Lawson, and nephew Josiah Lawson are all LMU alumni. Both Mitch and Buck Turner are inductees in the LMU Hall of Fame.
For more about TEC-USA, visit https://www.tec-usa.com/about-us.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.
