Bob Buckner
Heath Integrated Business & Engineering - Director
As the new director of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program, Bob Buckner brings an understanding and passion for both disciplines.
Bob Buckner understands the critical roles that business and engineering play in achieving innovation breakthroughs. As the new director of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program (IBEP), Buckner brings this knowledge and a passion for both industries.
After graduating from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and an MBA from the Haslam College of Business (’94), Buckner combined his interests into a successful career, working in roles that guided the way technology and business operate together.
While working in information technology in manufacturing and tech start-up businesses and then stints in business and as technical program manager for a large financial services company, Buckner’s constant goal was to understand “the why.”
“I would always go back to ‘the why,’ making sure that our teams not only understand the software and technology but also why we do what we do,” Buckner says.
Buckner said the teams’ recognizing aspects of both business and technology led to beneficial outcomes. He plans to continue to pursue the same goal with Heath IBEP.
Created in 2017, Heath IBEP unites students from Haslam and the Tickle College of Engineering with the goal to bring insight and value to both fields. In January, upon entering his role as director, Buckner began conversations with Heath IBEP students, faculty and staff.
“The students are incredibly excited about their cohorts and the opportunity to learn together and learn from each other,” Buckner says. “There is so much potential for the students and Heath IBEP. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to shape the future of this important program.”
Each Heath IBEP cohort includes 20 students from both business and engineering disciplines. Cohort members work together to solve real-world problems presented by various industries. As students work through projects, Heath IBEP coaches from both business and engineering aid them in considering both sides of a challenge.
“To be able to have these conversations now and bring this type of understanding to students before they begin their careers will bring positive impacts to their careers and to the future of both business and engineering industries,” Buckner says. “We are here to learn together and prepare a new generation of cross-functional leaders.”
As he looks to Heath IBEP’s future, Buckner is focused on continuing the conversation between business and engineering and preparing students for advancement after graduation.
“I have big plans for the program, and first and foremost is helping students find their passion and be successful,” Buckner says.