SCN Best of 2025: From Classroom to Boardroom: Preparing the NOW Generation of Supply Chain Leaders

In this classic episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton welcomes Dr. Stephanie Thomas and Dr. Rod Thomas, associate professors of Supply Chain Management at the Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of supply chain education, talent development, and the critical role of collaboration between academia and industry.

Stephanie and Rod share insights on preparing the NOW generation of supply chain leaders, discussing the increasing awareness of supply chain careers, the importance of experiential learning, and how companies can build stronger internship pipelines. They also dive into the intersection of retail media networks and supply chain strategy—an emerging opportunity to shape demand and improve operational efficiency.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Rod: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-thomas-a409a41/
• Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniethomasuark/
• Learn more about the Sam M. Walton School of Business: https://walton.uark.edu/
• 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

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/classroom-boardroom-preparing-now-generation-supply-chain-leaders-1404