Eric M. Lussier is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His teaching and professional work focus on helping students connect engineering principles to real-world practice through the application of operational excellence, continuous improvement, engineering economics, leadership, and business systems.

As a practitioner-scholar, Lussier brings more than 30 years of industry experience into the classroom. His educational philosophy centers on bridging the gap between theory and practice, helping students understand not only the tools and techniques of industrial engineering, but also how those methods are applied to solve complex organizational challenges. He believes engineering education is most impactful when students can connect foundational concepts to real-world decision making, leadership, and value creation.

Lussier’s professional interests include operational excellence, lean transformation, organizational culture, engineering leadership, business systems, workforce development, and the effective integration of artificial intelligence into business and manufacturing environments. He is an active author, speaker, and contributor on topics related to continuous improvement, leadership, and organizational performance. His work has been featured through IndustryWeek, professional conferences, and industry associations across manufacturing, aerospace, distribution, and private equity-backed organizations.

Prior to joining the University of Tennessee, Lussier served in executive leadership and operational excellence roles across both public and private equity-backed companies. Most recently, he was a Principal and now serves as Senior Operating Advisor with NEXT LEVEL Partners, where he continues to support organizational transformation and value creation initiatives. Throughout his career, he has led enterprise-wide business system deployments, lean transformations, strategic improvement initiatives, and leadership development efforts across a diverse range of industries.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering/Engineering Management from the University of Tennessee
• Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Alabama, Huntsville

Teaching Areas

• Work Methods and Introduction to Manufacturing Systems
• Engineering Economy
• Operational Excellence
• Lean Systems
• Continuous Improvement
• Engineering Leadership
• Business Systems