State of Supply Chain

The C. T. Bauer College of Business continues to deepen its connection to industry, recently welcoming 40 company executives to meet with faculty and students at the Bauer Supply Chain Industry Advisory Board Meeting.

Since its last meeting, the board has doubled in size, expanding both corporate and faculty involvement. The focus this spring was straightforward: where the supply chain industry stands today and how Bauer College can better prepare students to meet it.

“This was a pivotal moment for us to bring industry folks into the room to talk openly about what's working well in our program,” Senior Professor of Practice Brad Miller said. “For many of these companies, we're the No. 1 school that they recruit from. However, there are always ways we can improve, so it was exciting to have these conversations about how we can move our program forward.”

Discussions centered on alignment between classroom experience and industry expectations. Faculty and industry leaders worked through how curriculum, applied learning and skill development translate into day-one readiness on the job.

For the advisory board, that alignment is the point.

“Engagement has value because our industry partners are our customers,” Bauer Supply Chain Advisory Board co-director Dale Tibodeau said. “Their input helps us shape what we teach and how we teach it, so students are ready for what the work actually demands.”

Students aren’t on the sidelines in those conversations. Supply chain management senior Joyelle Ross said engaging directly with employers clarified both expectations and opportunities.

“It helps us stand out when we’re looking for full-time jobs,” said Ross, who is also a member of Supply Chain Professional Organization, a Bauer student group. “You’re building connections and getting a better sense of where you fit and where you want to go.”

The advisory board will meet twice a year, keeping industry input directly tied to how Bauer builds and evolves the program.