Students travel for special experience 

A non-traditional ECU student provided a unique opportunity to more than a dozen students and faculty members this fall. Jamerus Payton is an inbound material flow leader at Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant (RMEP), an MBA student and the winner of the fifth annual Aman Pirate Challenge (2022). Payton hosted the immersive learning experience that brought classroom concepts to life.  

The tour offered students a unique opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge to real-world processes. Student Joey Simpson reflected on how the visit highlighted “how lean manufacturing and just-in-time principles translate from theory into practice.” This was viewed through the seamless coordination among production, supply chain and automated systems.  

Seeing engine assembly firsthand also deepened students’ appreciation for the role of each step in a global supply chain. As student Ethan Gawron noted, experiencing the process up close revealed “how even a single step within a global supply chain plays such a significant role.” By observing these operations directly, students gained a more concrete and meaningful understanding of the company’s world-class supply chain operations. 

Students also remarked on the strong, family-centered culture within the plant. Observing the work environment gave them insight into how organizational culture supports operational excellence, employee engagement and overall performance. 

Beyond operational and supply chain insights, Jamerus and his team shared valuable career development guidance, emphasizing adaptability and continuous development — skills essential for thriving in supply chain and operations careers. 

The visit was organized by the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management and demonstrated the department and the COB’s commitment to experiential learning and student success.