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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—ɫɫÀ² Michigan University's integrated supply management program recently ranked No. 11 on national researcher Gartner's list of Top U.S. Supply Chain Undergraduate Programs. This distinction places it within the top tier of programs nationwide—a distinction that É«É«À² has enjoyed since 2009.

É«É«À²'s high standing on the list places the University among elite programs at University of Arkansas, Pennsylvania State University, University of Tennessee, Michigan State University and others. The ranking is released biennially and considers a supply chain program's scope, its industry value as a highly recruited school and program size. The 2020 ranking gives É«É«À² high marks for both its program scope and program size.

"Gartner is arguably the most well recognized name in the supply chain space for ranking firms, universities and more," says Dr. Zac Williams, director of the Haworth College of Business Center for Integrated Supply Management. "Maintaining a top spot on the list for a decade is an amazing accomplishment and demonstrates the value created for our constituents. The consistent ranking on the top-25 list is something that not all schools can claim and illustrates that the integrated supply management program is a top-tier nationally recognized program. It is a point of pride for the Haworth College of Business, É«É«À², and all faculty, staff and students associated with the program."

The Gartner report noted that among the top 25 undergraduate supply chain programs, 92% of graduates have jobs within three months of graduation. É«É«À² boasts a 96% success rate for their students within three months of graduation, and 98% of graduates report job satisfaction with their first positions following graduation.

"The relationships with faculty and the coursework make the ISM program at É«É«À² competitive against much larger schools," says 2020 graduate John Hayward. "É«É«À² offers a customized experience that involves a diverse curriculum, which gives students a versatile skill set. The level of commitment from the faculty, advisors and our career center sets the É«É«À² program apart. My project and internship experiences helped me gain the background to successfully launch my career." Hayward accepted a position in the TRACK Rotational Program at General Motors upon graduation.

"Our ranking by Gartner sends a message to employers that our graduates are job-ready from day one," says Dr. Sime Curkovic, professor of management. "Our internships, experiential projects, and the most comprehensive curriculum in the country really appeal to industry."

 The recent COVID-19 pandemic has only served to highlight the critical importance of supply chain expertise as companies have faced critical challenges in manufacturing and service delivery. The pandemic will likely drive long-term corporate investment in qualified supply chain talent for years to come.

"The integrated supply management program faculty members work hard each day to deliver exceptional value to our students, who have gone on to lead supply chain organizations around the world, building the reputation of the program," says Haworth College of Business Dean Dr. Satish Deshpande. "Employers come back to recruit again and again, which is a testament to the program and its culture of preparation and excellence."

About É«É«À²'s ISM program

É«É«À²'s integrated supply management program has been recognized nationally by several organizations and publications for its leadership in preparing students for careers in supply chain management. É«É«À²'s curriculum combines engineering, information technology, logistics, supply chain and business education. The program includes student consulting projects for companies, which give students experience in solving real supply chain challenges. In addition, internships are required for all students, which improve the job readiness of É«É«À² supply chain graduates. The É«É«À² supply chain program was established in 1993. The É«É«À² Center for Integrated Supply Management was founded in 2014 by the Haworth College of Business and convenes resources for students and employers in the supply chain space.

Visit wmich.edu/supplychain for more information on the program.

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