CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fifteen students from the University of Memphis Fogelman College of Business and Economics (FCBE) recently returned from Lowe’s headquarters in North Carolina, part of the College’s Lowe’s Retail Immersion Program. Students were given the opportunity to engage directly with senior leaders, explore the company-wide operations and gain a behind-the-scenes look at how a Fortune 50 retailer innovates at scale.
These select few Tigers receive exposure to merchandising, supply chain, finance, human resources, technology and customer experience, capping things off with an exclusive Q&A session with Lowe’s Chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison, UofM alumnus (BBA ’89). The program is offered thanks to a partnership between FCBE’s Center for Professional Career Development and Lowe’s.
For many students, the experience reshaped their understanding of the retail industry and clarified their professional goals.
“This program has been more fulfilling, educational and rewarding than I could have ever imagined,” said Cara McMorran, a senior majoring in Human Resources Management. “Seeing how every part of the business connects gave me a clearer picture of where I want to grow.”
Junior marketing major Kristen Coleman said the immersion pushed her to think differently about her path. “Take the opportunity — you never know what might come from it,” she said. “Connecting with people from different backgrounds helped me learn more about myself and what I want to pursue.”
Throughout the visit, students met with industry experts across Lowe’s, touring innovation spaces and learning how data, design and customer insights drive decision making. The program is designed to help emerging business leaders understand the complexity of modern retail while building professional confidence, networks and career readiness.
For senior management major Aylani Pugh, the experience offered a new lens on how large organizations operate. “The Lowe’s Retail Immersion Program was a spectacular experience that changed my perception of internal business operations for the better,” she said. “It was informational, thought provoking and something I hope continues for future Fogelman students.”
The two day, all expenses paid trip takes students to Lowe’s headquarters, Design Lab and Tech Hub in Mooresville and Charlotte, N.C. Applications for the next cohort will open in Fall 2026 for the Spring 2027 experience. Eligible students must be fulltime FCBE majors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated leadership or community engagement.
