J.B. Hunt, University of Arkansas announce $1 million investment for supply chain scholarship

Lowell-based carrier J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. and the University of Arkansas announced Wednesday (June 2) a $1 million initial investment toward an endowed scholarship to encourage students to pursue supply chain careers. J.B. Hunt also contributed $250,000 to benefit inclusion initiatives in the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

Two new funds are expected to advance the college’s focus on sustainability and inclusion in supply chain by accelerating existing projects and creating an endowed scholarship program.

“Since launching our collaboration in December, we have identified several opportunities to improve inclusion and sustainability that we are excited to ignite,” said Shelley Simpson, chief commercial officer and executive vice president of people and human resources at J.B. Hunt. “These funds will help jumpstart immediate needs while creating a long-term initiative to ensure that pursuing a career in supply chain is available to everyone.”

The J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. Inclusion in Supply Chain Endowed Scholarship Fund will establish an ongoing scholarship program. The endowed fund will be based on the $1 million initial investment. Recipients must be enrolled in the Walton College, working toward an undergraduate degree in supply chain, and demonstrate potential to advance inclusivity. Recipients will be selected by the department head of the Walton College Department of Supply Chain Management.

The J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. Supply Chain Management Department Current Use Accelerator Fund will help expedite several inclusivity and sustainability initiatives stemming from the $2.25 million collaboration announced in December — the J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. Inclusion Education and Thought Leadership Fund and the J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. Sustainable Supply Chain Management Research, Innovation and Education Fund. The $250,000 gift also will help promote the supply chain management department efforts and the new endowed scholarship opportunity.

“Through our multiple collaborations, J.B. Hunt is helping us redefine aspects of the supply chain and shape the industry’s future leaders,” said Matt Waller, dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business. “Together, we’ve addressed topics such as thought leadership, executive education, innovation, undergraduate studies and now inclusion and sustainability, all in a quest to create a fantastic future where supply chains are efficient and effective.”