The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business is now a partner with the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC), underscoring the college’s commitment to fostering economic growth in Middle Tennessee. The partnership was formally celebrated in a ceremony with representatives from both organizations, marked by the installation of a painting of a cloud bearing Haslam’s logo above the NEC reception area.
Teaming to Support the Entrepreneur Community
According to Deborah Watts, Haslam’s director of Nashville programs, the collaboration between the NEC and the college is a natural fit. “We value working with Nashville organizations that put people at the heart of what they do,” Watts said. “The partnership with the NEC aligns with our goal of elevating executive education by meeting our graduates, local entrepreneurs and community members where they are in the workplace.”
The NEC is widely recognized for supporting entrepreneurs in their journey from venture launch to full execution of business plans. Sam Davidson, CEO of the NEC, called the partnership an outgrowth of both organizations’ common vision of growing business talent.
“This collaboration with Haslam reflects our shared belief that entrepreneurs need support not just at the launch of their ventures, but at every stage of their journey,” Davidson said. “Through this collaboration, we’re offering world-class leadership development that empowers founders and business professionals to grow both their ventures and themselves.”
Dedicated to Helping Growing Businesses Succeed
As part of the new relationship between Haslam and the NEC, the college aims to be a resource at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. NEC team members and founders will have the opportunity to participate in Haslam leadership development programs in Nashville, and subject matter experts from Haslam will participate in NEC events.
“At the end of the day, people need help in the workplace,” Watts said. “From the ideation of a business concept, to leading others, to coaching and developing employees, to being accountable for all financials — both Haslam and the NEC are here to support professionals through it all.”
This partnership emphasizes both organizations’ shared commitment to workforce development and entrepreneurial success in the Nashville region. Amy Cathey, Haslam’s associate dean for Graduate and Executive Education, believes the partnership between the NEC and Haslam can produce significant outcomes for businesses in Middle Tennessee.
“The old saying, ‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,’ is certainly applicable with this relationship,” Cathey said. “We are honored to support the talent development needs of the growing and thriving businesses the NEC serves.”
About the Haslam College of Business Graduate and Executive Education Programs
Haslam offers graduate and executive education programs that prepare students to reach their full potential and advance their careers. At the master’s level, these programs include the Haslam Full-Time MBA, Online MBA, Professional MBA, Executive MBA (Healthcare Leadership and Strategic Leadership), Aerospace and Defense MBA, Physician Executive MBA, Master of Accountancy, M.A. in Economics, M.S. in Business Analytics, M.S. in Management and Human Resources, M.S. in Marketing, M.S. in Supply Chain Management (Global), M.S. in Supply Chain Management Online and M.S. in Business Cybersecurity Online. Haslam also offers a full portfolio of doctoral programs.
Haslam’s graduate programs address real-world challenges through an interdisciplinary approach that develops both analytical and leadership skills. Its faculty are industry thought leaders, seasoned practitioners and accomplished researchers who work tirelessly to create dynamic, relevant and impactful learning experiences.
Additionally, Haslam is currently running a C-Suite Insights leadership development program in Nashville and will launch an Emerging Leaders program and Leadership Coaching certificate program in the upcoming weeks. For more information, visit the Haslam Executive Education website and select “Nashville Programs.”
About the Nashville Entrepreneur Center
The Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 2010 to help make Nashville the best place to start and grow a business by increasing the likelihood of success for entrepreneurs. Through world-class education and a vibrant membership community, the NEC has supported more than 14,000 entrepreneurs who have collectively raised $300M in capital, generated more than $400M in revenue and facilitated more than $100M in profitable founder or investor exits. The NEC is celebrating the next generation of exceptional entrepreneurs at its 2025 NEXT Awards and Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame on October 20 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. For more information, visit the Nashville Entrepreneur Center website and follow @entrecenter on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X.
Main image: A group of NEC employees pose with UT Chancellor Donde Plowman, center, and Haslam’s Deborah Watts, on Plowman’s left,
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