Alumnus brings global logistics insight back to CMU

When Chris Savelle ’08 returned to Central Michigan University this spring, he wasn’t just revisiting a place he once called home—he was stepping back into a classroom environment with a new perspective shaped by nearly two decades in global supply chain and automotive logistics. Savelle is a Global Supply Manager who focuses on inbound logistics procurement at Lucid Motors, maker of the world’s most advanced software-defined vehicles and technologies. He joined students in a Supply Chain Management Association workshop, offering a firsthand look at how the concepts they study translate into real-world decision-making.

For students, the experience brought depth and color to the field they hope to join someday. For Savelle, it was a chance to reconnect—and give back.

A path shaped by curiosity and connection

Savelle’s journey didn’t follow a straight line. As a student, he explored multiple disciplines, ultimately graduating with majors in accounting, finance and economics, along with a minor in legal studies. At the time, he was still figuring out where those interests would lead and described himself as “still tinkering around.”

That mindset—curious, willing to explore and ready to figure things out—became a defining trait in his career. After graduating during the 2008 recession, he navigated a challenging job market before finding his way into logistics, a field he hadn’t originally planned to enter. What helped open that door wasn’t a job posting—it was a connection.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to maintain good relationships,” Savelle said. “That’s how you get noticed. That’s how you get pulled into opportunities.”

From early roles at JB Hunt to positions supporting global supply chains for major automotive companies, each step built on both experience and relationships—often shaped by connections made as a student.

Bringing the real world into the classroom

That same emphasis on connection is what led Savelle back to campus. After seeing a post from logistics faculty member Fred Lawrence on LinkedIn, he reached out—curious about how he might get involved. What followed was a collaboration designed to bring industry perspective directly into the classroom.

“I remember being a student and how valuable it was to hear from someone actually working in the industry,” Savelle said. “It helps things click.”

During the workshop, Savelle walked students through real-time challenges facing global supply chains—from shifting freight routes and rising costs to geopolitical disruptions impacting logistics networks worldwide. Rather than simplifying the material, he leaned into the complexity.

“It’s not just one function,” he said. “Everything is connected—what happens outside the building impacts what happens inside, and vice versa.”

Students engaged with questions about current global events, supply chain disruptions and career pathways, connecting classroom concepts to the realities of the field.

A passion for the work—and sharing it

Savelle’s enthusiasm for his work was evident throughout the session. Whether describing global routing strategies or the intricacies of automotive production logistics, he spoke with the kind of energy that comes from deep engagement in a field.

“I like building cars,” he said. “Every time go into the plant, I kind of get to nerd out a little bit.”

That curiosity continues to drive his approach—both professionally and in conversations with students. At Lucid, his work spans global supply chain strategy, requiring collaboration across teams and a constant willingness to learn.

“I know how things should generally work,” he said. “But when I have a blind spot, I go dig into it.”

It’s that mindset—part confidence, part curiosity—that resonated with students exploring their own paths.

Opening doors for students—and alumni

Savelle’s visit is part of a broader effort to strengthen connections between students and alumni, creating opportunities for mentorship, insight and real-world exposure.

“Chris first reached out to me on LinkedIn to ask how corporate partners engage with our Logistics Management program, and I immediately got the sense that he was serious about wanting to make a positive impact,” said Lawrence. “What stood out most to me was that Chris was not simply interested in visiting campus—he wanted to invest in our students and contribute to the growth of the program.”

“That matters because experiences like this help students connect classroom learning to real supply chain decisions, which is exactly what we are trying to create through SCMA, the Logistics Management program and our strong network of corporate partners,” Lawrence said. “We hope this is just the beginning of a long-term relationship with Chris, whether that takes shape through workshops, mentorship, recruiting, collaborative projects or other ways to support student success.”

“I also think there is growing recognition of the value Midwest students bring to automotive and supply chain roles,” he added. “Automotive culture runs deep in this region, shapes many of our students’ communities and has long been part of CMU’s identity in this space.”

For students, the impact goes beyond a single workshop.

"The Lucid Motors presentation was incredibly inspiring,” said sophomore logistics and marketing double major Alison Niehoff from Grosse Ile, Mich. “It was exciting to see how innovation and supply chain strategy come together in a cutting-edge company. SCMA and Lucid did an amazing job organizing an event that felt both engaging and relevant and it definitely motivated me to get more involved and start thinking about how I can apply these insights to my future career.”

"Hearing Chris completely changed my perspective on how international logistics function. Logistics isn't just moving parts or goods; it's the careful planning and execution that shape and shift global routes,” said MBA student Ishaan Lele from India. “He explained how systems function, from geopolitical events to plant operations. Seeing the Lucid Air vehicle and hearing about the strategy behind its production made us realize that this isn't just a vehicle but a physical representation of a complex and successful supply chain. This has created a long-lasting impression on us students here at CMU, as it inspires us to approach our future careers in logistics/supply chain with the same kind of curiosity and enthusiasm."

Savelle hopes to continue engaging with students in the future, whether through additional visits, conversations or collaboration.

“Doing this a couple times a year—just to share experience and talk to students—I think it makes a difference,” he said.

From experience to opportunity

For Savelle, returning to CMU reinforced something he’s seen throughout his career: the importance of bridging the gap between learning and doing.

“When you hear it from someone working in it day to day, it helps reinforce what you’re learning,” he said.

That connection—between classroom and career, between students and alumni—is exactly what programs like this aim to strengthen. And for alumni considering how to get involved, Savelle offers a simple perspective: start with curiosity, and say yes to the opportunity to connect.