The University of Arkansas announced this morning (Aug. 12) that the Sam M. Walton College of Business’ program for studying supply chain, which has been ranked No. 1 in North America by Gartner, Inc., has been officially renamed to the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management. This was in cooperation with J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., one of the largest supply chain solutions providers in North America.
“J.B. Hunt and the University of Arkansas are shaping the future of supply chain, not just in Northwest Arkansas, but across the country,” said Shelley Simpson, president of J.B. Hunt. “Together, we are preparing future leaders who will grow with the industry to meet evolving supply chain challenges. This will help us achieve our mission of creating the most efficient transportation network in North America and, ultimately, the world.”
In support of this collaboration, J.B. Hunt has also announced a new $1.5 million commitment to Walton College of Business to help advance the development of the newly-renamed department. Since 2017, J.B. Hunt has gifted over $7 million to the U of A to advance innovative, supply chain-focused initiatives, including $2.75 million to establish the J.B. Hunt Innovation Center of Excellence. Together with Walton College, they have jumpstarted numerous initiatives to study factors such as inclusion, sustainability, education and innovation, with the long-term vision of ensuring the industry has a modern workforce of professionals who can grow with the industry to meet new challenges.
“Walton College aims to be the leader in supply chain management education, research and career readiness,” said Matt Waller, dean of the Walton College and holder of the Sam M. Walton Leadership Chair in Business. “A gift of this magnitude from one of the global leaders in logistics can expand our reach to talented students, expert faculty and industry thought leaders. Together, we can advance the industry’s positive growth and practice.”
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