The Now Generation: The Future of Supply Chain Is Orange

Why It Matters

By showcasing interdisciplinary training and real‑world projects, Syracuse demonstrates how modern supply‑chain programs can attract diverse talent and meet evolving industry demands.

Key Takeaways

• Syracuse's supply chain program is oldest and top‑25 nationally.
• Students pursue triple majors and leadership roles, showing interdisciplinary strength.
• WISE partnership highlights supply chain as exciting, impactful career path.
• Faculty showcase real‑world projects like fashion week logistics experience.
• Extracurriculars such as clubs, music, and sports deepen skillsets.

Summary

The Supply Chain Now episode spotlights Syracuse University’s storied supply‑chain program, now celebrating its partnership with the WISE organization to inspire the next generation of logisticians.

Syracuse’s curriculum, ranked among the top 25 nationally and recognized as the nation’s oldest supply‑chain program, encourages students to combine majors—triple majors in supply chain, marketing, sustainability, and finance are common—while holding leadership positions in clubs and industry‑linked initiatives.

Professor Julie Neerhoff notes, “Watching 18‑ to 20‑year‑olds discover supply chain feels like the best seat in the house,” and students echo this enthusiasm: Odet likens her viola role to supply‑chain support, Katherine describes hands‑on logistics at New York Fashion Week, and Michaela shares global travel perspectives enriching her supply‑chain outlook.

The conversation underscores a broader shift: supply‑chain education is becoming interdisciplinary, experiential, and culturally diverse, positioning graduates to tackle complex, fast‑moving markets and reinforcing the field’s growing appeal as a high‑impact career.

Original Description

What are future supply chain leaders paying attention to right now?

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Julie Niederhoff, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Department Chair of Marketing, Retail and Supply Chain Management at Syracuse University, alongside standout students Odette Sherk, Katherine Foley, Makayla Amatuegwu, and David Patterson. Together, they explore how today’s students are discovering supply chain as a dynamic career path that blends strategy, sustainability, and real-world problem solving.

The conversation highlights how hands-on experiences, from study abroad programs to industry internships, are helping students connect classroom learning to global challenges. Topics like sustainability transparency, rail transportation, globalization shifts, and ethical sourcing take center stage as each student shares what excites them most about the industry. Their perspectives reveal a generation that is not only career-focused but deeply motivated to create meaningful change.

Julie also shares insights into how Syracuse’s program develops well-rounded leaders by combining academic rigor with experiential learning. This episode offers a glimpse of how the next generation is approaching the field of supply chain with curiosity, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:42) Syracuse supply chain program overview

(02:21) Meet the student panel and professor

(06:31) Student backgrounds and personal interests

(34:33) Sustainability challenges in mining

(36:35) Interest in healthcare distribution and logistics

(39:51) Career goals in consulting and sustainability

(41:46) Procurement, fashion, and ethical sourcing

(45:50) Program impact and student experiences

Additional Links & Resources:

Connect with Julie Niederhoff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieniederhoff/

Connect with Odette Sherk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odettesherk/

Connect with Katherine Foley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-g-foley

Connect with Makayla Amatuegwu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makayla-amatuegwu/

Connect with David Patterson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-patterson13

Learn more about Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management: https://whitman.syracuse.edu

Learn more about WISE by The University of Arkansas: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/wise.php

Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about

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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/