Empowering the NOW Generation: The Future of Supply Chain Leadership featuring the University of Arkansas

The future of supply chain starts with educating young and bright minds with the best programs that, fortunately, The University of Arkansas has covered.In this episode, Scott W. Luton sits down with Dr. Stephanie Thomas, Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas, and three outstanding students from the JB Hunt Department of Supply Chain Management: Ethan Helm, Madison Simpson, and Kelly Henderson. Together, they explore their passions as the next generation of supply chain thought starters and leaders. The conversation dives into how the university and the ecosystem surrounding it creates unparalleled opportunities for students through internships, real-world experience, and industry engagement. Altogether, today’s panel shares insights on the evolving supply chain landscape, ever-evolving technology, the importance of fostering diversity and mentorship through initiatives like the Wise Future Leaders Symposium.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:54) Meet the student panel: Ethan, Madison, and Kelly(06:58) The unique benefits of supply chain internships(10:15) The importance of understanding consumer needs in supply chain(14:34) Omnichannel retail and last-mile delivery(19:00) The impact of AI in supply chain management(23:37) Insights into managing supply chain operations at Target(28:49) The critical role of mentorship and networking in shaping future supply chain leaders(32:12) How real-world experience prepares students for success in the industry(36:01) Why the University of Arkansas requires supply chain internships(42:55) Empowering women in supply chain(48:15) How students are applying what they learn to improve supply chain processesAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniethomasuark/Learn more about Stephanie: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/directory/uid/spt003/name/Stephanie+Powell+Thomas/ Connect with Kelly: http://linkedin.com/in/kelly-henderson-766904250Connect with Madison: http://linkedin.com/in/madison-simpson-085b2424bConnect with Ethan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-helm-9ba933239Learn more about U of A Wise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uarkwise/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk WEBINAR- AI for SMBs: Unlocking Growth with Netstock's Benchmark Report: https://bit.ly/3AWtoCDWEBINAR- Pedaling to Profit: Trek’s Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Success Story: https://bit.ly/4gWMIzUWEBINAR- The ABCs of Cargo Security and Loss Prevention: https://bit.ly/3zAirpTWEBINAR- Supply Chain in 2025: Top 5 Labeling and Packaging Artwork Trends to Watch: https://bit.ly/3Y9FWiZWEBINAR- Future-Proof Your Logistics: AI-Powered Solutions for Competitive Edge: https://bit.ly/3BouB5E This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/empowering-now-generation-future-supply-chain-leadership-featuring-university-arkansas-1341 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.