Navigating the Course of Supply Chains

Two centuries ago, intrepid sailors transported barrels of pork, whiskey, fish and flour on the slow, uncertain journey to military outposts along the Great Lakes. Soon, drones will be dropping purchases at the feet of customers.

Supply is no longer a chain but a complex, interconnected network of suppliers, warehouses and distribution centers, all working in unison. The heavy haulers aren’t just trucks and ships but information—real-time data, predictive algorithms and AI-powered tools to optimize routes and forecast demand. But, even in our techno-dependent world, without a human touch, supply chains can crack.

The evolution of supply chain management has been nothing short of revolutionary, driving high demand for UW-Green Bay’s new master’s degree program in the field. Just as captains navigated the treacherous waters of Death’s Door peninsula centuries ago, skilled professionals are now needed to steer through increasingly complex and interconnected supply chain routes.

Through its comprehensive curriculum and industry partnerships, UW-Green Bay can rightfully claim the epicenter of preparing the next generation of leaders with its Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MSSCM) program, launching in Fall 2025. The program reflects the most up-to-date practices in supply chain management, including strategies for shorter supply lines and increased durability.

But just like the gale that sank the Edmund Fitzgerald, nature can still have the final word, even in our highly interconnected, tech-driven world.

Schneider National CEO Mark Rourke speaks to students on the UW-Green Bay campus.

“The COVID pandemic exposed just how fragile and elongated our supply chains had become,” said Mark Rourke, CEO of Schneider National. “It also sparked a new energy around shortening those supply lines—moving production closer and becoming more resilient.”

Future-thinking students are needed for this growing industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 19% growth in jobs for this sector through 2033. Uniquely, UW-Green Bay’s MSSCM program offers students more than a traditional academic experience. Developed with input from industry leaders and guided by an advisory panel, it emphasizes real-world problem-solving and hands-on learning. The program is designed with the schedule of working professionals in mind, offering flexibility and practical learning opportunities.

Integral to the full master’s program, the ‘Bridging Success Through Leadership’ speaker series, featuring industry leaders like Rourke, serves as a bridge between the classroom and the real world, offering students and working professionals opportunities to engage directly with experts and gain insights that complement their academic journey. The series provides students invaluable insights into crucial developments in this fast-changing field.

“Just as the logistics industry pivots from globalization to nearshoring,” Rourke notes, “UW-Green Bay is equipping its students to lead the way in this transformation—providing the knowledge, tools and connections needed to shape the future of supply chain management.”

Maintaining the Human Touch

It’s in this ever-evolving and challenging environment that working professionals like Erik Smith are taking bold steps to advance their careers and contribute to their companies’ success. In Smith’s case, he works as a chemical manufacturing operator at Millipore Sigma in Sheboygan Falls. With a history spanning over 350 years and a global reach that keeps it at the cutting edge of chemical technology, Smith believes that the master’s program will enhance his knowledge and propel him further in his career.

“I’m hoping to get into the master’s program, and in two years or so, get that completed. I hope to be part of Millipore Sigma’s planning group before then,” Smith shared. He exemplifies the type of professional the MSSCM program aims to support, as he has seen firsthand the impact of robust supply chain education.

Smith has a knack with chemicals and schedules. His own “supply-chain journey” began with a mentorship in his company’s planning and scheduling team, where he discovered his natural inclination for organization and planning.

Erik Smith

In his current role, Smith deals with the production of specialized materials used in various industries, from pharmaceuticals to high tech. “I’ve made compounds that are used in pretty much everything. Could be cancer drugs, other pharmaceuticals, high tech like Apple and Samsung,” he shared. He handles high-hazard materials, including pyrophorics, which can ignite or explode upon contact with air and high inhalation hazard chemicals. The complexity and danger of these materials require meticulous planning and coordination to ensure safe and efficient production and distribution.

The logistics of moving these materials safely and efficiently require a deep understanding of supply chain principles and a keen eye for detail. “Some materials can be shipped via airplanes, but the majority have to be shipped by rail, truck or overseas on cargo ships,” Erik noted. His role involves ensuring that these materials are shipped via appropriate methods, leveraging the company’s strategic location in Wisconsin for timely and safe delivery.

And that’s exactly the mission of the program—to prepare more professionals who can lead and innovate in the supply chain industry.

“Working professionals will start reaping the benefits right away,” explained Matt Dornbush, dean of the Cofrin School of Business. “Once they become part of the program, they can pick up skills and credentials along the way that they can immediately apply in their jobs.”

But even those trying to get their foot in the supply-chain door can benefit from the experience of seasoned veterans. “Students will learn in real-time from industry experts, combining innovative technology with human-centered leadership,” Dornbush continued, “It’s not just about automation—it’s about teaching students how to lead through complexity, where people and relationships are just as important as the technology.”

With a flexible, fully online format, the MSSCM program fits the lives of busy professionals balancing work, family and studies. Students can earn certificates in areas like Planning & Logistics, which can be applied towards the master’s degree.

Green Bay’s strategic location as a transportation and logistics hub strengthens the value of the MSSCM program. “Northeast Wisconsin has always been a key logistics hub, and this program positions UW-Green Bay to keep it that way by training the next generation of leaders,” Dornbush explained. “It’s about more than just career advancement—it’s about building the workforce that will keep this region competitive for years to come.”

An Epicenter for Keeping Things Moving and Sustainable

Nationally, Green Bay remains a major launching point, where everything from cheddar pippins to synthetic lipids used in the production of vaccines gets moved around the globe. The metro area is also home to over 600 companies and 11,000 supply chain-related jobs, positioning students to engage with industry experts and build connections that will benefit them long after graduation.

Matt Dornbush, Dean of the Cofrin School of Business

“Despite all advancements in technology, logistics is still a people business,” Dornbush observed. “The key to success lies in building teams that thrive in challenging environments. Our program reflects that balance—between cutting-edge analytics and strong collaborative leadership.”

The program also emphasizes sustainability and community impact, aligning with UW-Green Bay’s mission to train leaders who make a difference. Students learn to design efficient, environmentally conscious supply chains that not only improve business outcomes but also contribute to stronger local economies.

For those ready to meet the challenge, the MSSCM program offers a clear path to leadership. Beginning in Fall 2025, students are invited to join a community dedicated to innovation and leadership in supply chain management. Business leaders like Rourke emphasize the need for experts with a human touch, highlighting that despite the importance of technology, people and culture remain paramount. At the end of the chain, logistics is still a people business, and success is achieved by linking the right teams.

Ready to make supply chain sparks fly? Learn about a Master’s in Supply Chain Management or contact Kayleigh Mapes at mapesk@uwgb.edu.