J.B. Hunt, U of A Collaboration Focuses on Future of Supply Chain

Ranked number one by Gartner, has officially been renamed the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management.

Leadership from both organizations were at J.B. Hunt's corporate campus today to discuss how their efforts are making Northwest Arkansas an epicenter for developing tomorrow's industry and its leaders.

Shelley Simpson, president of J.B. Hunt:

“J.B. Hunt and the University of Arkansas are shaping the future of supply chain, not just in Northwest Arkansas, but across the country. 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.”

J.B. Hunt and the Walton College have jumpstarted numerous initiatives over the past few years to study factors such as inclusion, sustainability, thought leadership, education, and innovation.

With a long-term vision of shaping the future of integrated supply chain management, their efforts focus on ensuring the industry has a modern workforce with professionals that can grow with the industry to meet evolving supply chain challenges, blending logistics expertise with advancing technology.

Waller presented Simpson with a plaque recognizing the new department’s new name and the college’s appreciation for J.B. Hunt. The department named after the transportation industry leader will house the undergraduate integrated supply chain management program recently ranked number one in North America by Gartner. The department’s graduate program ranked second.

Matt Waller, dean of the Walton College and holder of the Sam M. Walton Leadership Chair in Business:

“Walton College aims to be the leader in supply chain management education, research and career readiness. 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.”

J.B. Hunt and Walton College have worked closely together since the department was established, beginning with the J.B. Hunt Supply Chain University in 2014. The program helped employees gain a better understanding of supply chain beyond transportation and logistics. In 2017 the two, along with the University of Arkansas College of Engineering created the J.B. Hunt Innovation Center of Excellence, made possible through a $2.75 million grant from J.B. Hunt.

The combined effort brought researchers and students together with J.B. Hunt employees to develop solutions through innovative design and technology. In 2020, the two announced a $2.25 million collaboration to increase awareness of inclusion and diversity in transportation and logistics, and last year, J.B. Hunt created a $1 million endowed scholarship fund to encourage students to pursue supply chain careers and contribute to the college’s diverse educational environment.