How do we help the next generation find their place in supply chain—and build careers they want to stay in?

Nathan Chaney sits down with Stephanie Thomas from the University of Arkansas to discuss supply chain education, mentorship, and the connections that shape a career. Stephanie shares her journey from IBM and Lowe’s to academia, her experience helping build Texas Tech’s supply chain program, and how she introduces hundreds of students to the industry.

They also explore WISE—We Impact Supply Chain Excellence—and how a student organization grew into a community connecting students, universities, and industry professionals. It’s a conversation about opening doors, finding the right fit, and giving back to the next generation.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome and meet Stephanie Thomas
01:21 Growing up in Tennessee
02:37 From pharmacy dreams to motivating students
04:32 Finding supply chain—and studying alongside Peyton Manning
07:04 Communication and diverse paths into supply chain
08:23 Developing the next generation of talent
10:39 Why mentors and industry connections matter
12:53 From IBM and Lowe’s to a career in academia
16:23 Building Texas Tech’s supply chain program
20:19 Teaching supply chain to hundreds of students
22:57 Why more students are choosing supply chain
24:32 Every company is a supply chain company
26:00 The unsung heroes and finding your career fit
27:48 Procurement, merchandising, and the customer experience
30:44 WISE: Building community and keeping talent in supply chain
36:29 Making WISE events accessible and expanding opportunities
38:09 Final thoughts and closing

Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.