University of Arkansas’ supply chain department retains top Gartner ranking

Global research firm Gartner ranked the supply chain management department’s undergraduate program at the University of Arkansas’ Sam M. Walton College of Business No. 1 in its biennial rankings.  

The report, released June 7, aims to help chief supply chain officers (CSCOs), heads of supply chain strategy and supply chain HR partners identify programs that are best suited to support their increasing talent needs.

Fifty-five institutions in the U.S. and Canada participated in the survey. Arkansas’ program remained the top program from Gartner’s previous rankings in 2020.

The Walton College launched the supply chain management department in 2011. Gartner’s first UA ranking was in 2018 (No. 15).

“I am so proud of my department,” department chair Brian Fugate said. “We’ve worked hard to develop a top-notch curriculum, hire outstanding faculty, recruit bright and energetic students and develop relationships with industry’s best. This announcement is a culmination of that hard work.”

The University of Tennessee moved up from the sixth position in 2020 to the second position in 2022. The University of South Carolina was ranked at No. 3.

The rankings reflect analysis in three specific areas: industry value, program scope and program size.

“The University of Arkansas retained the pole position — they have developed an excellent curriculum and strong industry partnerships,” Dana Stiffler, an analyst with Gartner’s supply chain practice, said in a statement.