The graduate supply chain programs in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business rank first among programs in North America, according to a report from Gartner Inc., a leading industry research organization based in Stamford, Connecticut.
As a hub for supply chain management thought leadership and talent development, UT is known for its industry-relevant curriculum, groundbreaking research, and top-ranked faculty. Stephen L. Mangum, dean of the college and Stokely Foundation Leadership Chair, noted that the graduate programs’ success is reflected in their popularity.
“The supply chain graduate and executive education programs are some of the fastest-growing on campus,” Mangum said. “These rankings show that incoming students, alumni, and peer institutions recognize Haslam’s supply chain program as one of the leaders in the field. Our faculty’s commitment to student development, industry partnerships, practical and relevant curricula, and innovative research are helping companies around the globe design more resilient and responsive supply chains for the future.”
To differentiate themselves from other organizations, the Gartner report recommends that programs commit to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, experiential learning, and responsive program formatting—things at which Mangum says the college’s programs excel.
“Our supply chain management department focuses on these areas to prioritize relationships and meet the needs of both students and industry,” he said.
Gartner announced its undergraduate rankings earlier this year, placing UT’s undergraduate supply chain program second in those standings. This marks the eighth year the graduate programs have ranked in Gartner’s top 10, while the undergraduate program has been included for 11 years. The graduate ranking encompasses all of the college’s graduate programs in supply chain management, including traditional in-classroom and distance learning options (full-time MBA with supply chain management concentration, MS in supply chain management tri-continent, MS in supply chain management online, and executive MBA for global supply chain).
John Bell, head of the Department of Supply Chain Management and Gerald T. Niedert Professor in Supply Chain Management, called the ranking a culmination of years of teamwork dedicated to providing students a comprehensive understanding of the discipline and opportunities for hands-on experience in the field.
“For nearly 20 years, our administration, faculty, and staff have been working toward the goal of building broad, integrated graduate and undergraduate supply chain curricula that give students a sound results-oriented foundation,” Bell said. “These rankings indicate we’re continually making progress toward that goal, and the programs are providing increasing value to both our students and the companies that hire them.”
Gartner Inc. regularly assesses the top supply chain programs in the country by analyzing indicators such as industry value and program scope and size, using survey responses from universities in the United States and Canada, and conducting interviews with industry professionals and academics. Supply chain program leaders across the continent value Gartner’s assessment as the preeminent ranking of its kind.
—
CONTACT:
Lindsey Owen (865-974-6375, lowen8@utk.edu)
Scott McNutt (865-974-5061, rmcnutt4@utk.edu)