Future McLean Investment Center to offer students real world business setting

^{The McLean Investment Center will be housed in the University’s Ted Russell Business Building.}

(Feb. 24, 2016) – Carson-Newman University will soon provide a new valuable learning experience for business majors. A $100,000 gift from Nashville native Stephen McLean will establish “The McLean Investment Center at Carson-Newman University,” scheduled for completion this fall.

Set to be located on the second floor of Carson-Newman’s Ted Russell Business Building, the Center will give students access to powerful computer-based analytical tools and enable them to perform real-time market trades and research as part of 21st century investing and stewardship. Students will have instant links with international markets and experience a unique style of learning that prepares them for the world stage.

Along with several digital displays, the Center will also feature an LED ticker display highlighting real-time market information and trading. From inside the Center, glass walls will open onto a main hallway for external viewing. Onlookers will also be able to listen to commentators on display screens inside the space.

Knoxville’s Barber McMurry Architects will oversee the project.

“A synergistic space where students will actually work on investment strategy and management will solidify our Finance/Economics program as an important discipline at the University,” said Carson-Newman Provost Paul Percy. “The Center will position Carson-Newman as a top quality business program regionally and statewide. This fantastic opportunity will have a lasting impact on students’ careers.“

A retired entrepreneur, McLean attended Carson-Newman. After college and a nine months round-the-world trip, McLean joined Nashville-based Genesco, once the largest manufacturer/wholesaler of apparel and footwear. As an export/import company manager, he traveled to many countries exporting Genesco merchandise.

In 1971, he worked with the Tennessee Governor’s office in the Department of Economic and Community Development establishing the first State of Tennessee International Trade Division. He conducted export trade missions throughout Europe, Africa and Asia, and also traveled abroad recruiting overseas firms to locate prospective branch and corporate operations in Tennessee.

Beginning in 1980, McLean recruited physicians for Hospital Corporation of America, the largest private owner of hospitals in the country. Before retiring in 1998, he began his own business, McLean and Associates, recruiting physicians for private practices.

McLean says his desire is to help prepare future business leaders at Carson-Newman.

“It is my sincere hope that this project will provide an outstanding educational mechanism in the School of Business throughout the Christian community that Carson-Newman University serves.“

Earlier this week, the University also announced a donor gift that will remodel a section of its Stephens-Burnett Memorial Library. The new study space for students will honor the late Dr. Stan Benson, former dean of Library Services. The gift was given by the Benson family.

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The University has over 2,500 students and offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.