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Poole College of Management
Jenkins Master of Management
Marketing Analytics

Tom Byrnes

Senior Lecturer in Marketing
919.515.6948
tjbyrnes@ncsu.edu

Courses Taught

MBA 560 Marketing Management and Strategy 

Areas of Expertise

  • Marketing and Sales
  • Brand Management
  • Integrated Marketing Communications

Education

  • DBA, Marketing, Nova Southeastern University, 2007
  • MBA, Management, Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • BBA, Marketing, Pace University

Industry and Academic Experience

With 35 years of sales and marketing leadership at IBM, I strive to bring real-world insights and industry best practices to my students at NC State’s Poole College of Management. Throughout my career at IBM, I worked across various marketing functions, including channel marketing, brand management, and integrated marketing communications, giving me a broad perspective on how marketing drives business success.

After retiring from IBM in 2010, I transitioned to academia, teaching at Wake Tech Community College, Barton College, and Keystone College before joining NC State. Teaching has been a natural extension of my career, allowing me to share my experiences and mentor the next generation of marketing professionals. I also serve as the faculty advisor for the NC State student chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA), where I’ve had the privilege of helping students build connections, gain hands-on experience, and compete in national marketing competitions.

Student Engagement and Impact

My approach to teaching is centered on preparing students for real-world success. I emphasize the practical application of marketing principles, the importance of effective communication, and the role of strategic thinking in business. Marketing is fundamentally about relationships—both with customers and within organizations—so I strive to help students develop strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Beyond the classroom, I’ve been involved in launching NC State Creative Marketing Solutions, a student-led marketing agency that provides hands-on experience working with real clients. It’s incredibly rewarding to see students build confidence, gain industry exposure, and graduate with tangible project experience that enhances their resumes and career prospects.

Recognitions and Contributions

Helping students succeed is the most fulfilling part of my job, and I’ve been honored to receive recognition for my commitment to mentorship. I’ve been fortunate to see students excel in competitions such as the AMA International Collegiate Conference and the AMA Triangle Marketing Jam. I also enjoy leveraging my professional network—spanning more than 1,600 LinkedIn connections—to help students find internships and job opportunities. Seeing them launch successful careers is the best reward.

Beyond the Classroom

Outside of teaching, I stay active through workouts and outdoor sports. I also enjoy giving back to the community as a SCORE counselor and a Stephens Minister, roles that allow me to continue mentoring and supporting others in their professional and personal journeys.