Center for Supply Chain Management and Sustainability
Welcome to the Center for Supply Chain Management and Sustainability
MTSU is named to the Thinkers360 annual leaderboard for the top 50 thought-leading companies on Supply Chain for 2025
2026 MTSU Midsouth Supply Chain Summit Call for Presentations!
MTSU 2026 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit
Theme: Securing the Supply Chain — Cargo, Package, and Cybertheft from the Manufacturing Plant to the Last Mile
Hosted by the MTSU Center for Supply Chain Management & Sustainability
Date: March 4, 2026
Location: Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN
The 2026 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit invites supply chain practitioners, manufacturing leaders, logistics professionals, cybersecurity experts, academics, and technology innovators to submit presentation proposals for this year’s theme:
“Securing the Supply Chain: Cargo, Package, and Cybertheft from the Manufacturing Plant to the Last Mile.”
With theft losses increasing across physical and digital supply chains, organizations face threats not only to freight and parcels, but also to data, systems, and connected networks. This summit will explore the convergence of physical and cyber risk—highlighting vulnerabilities, emerging attack methods, and the strategies, technologies, and partnerships required to strengthen supply chain resilience.
We welcome submissions that offer actionable insights, real-world case studies, forward-thinking research, and technology-enabled approaches.
Review the Call for Presentations
Six Master of Science – Supply Chain Students
Eleven Bachelor’s of Business Administration – Supply Chain Students
Set to Graduate on December 13, 2025
2025 Tennessee Environmental Council Policy & Practice Forum
Tennessee Solid Waste Solutions
Hosted by the Tennessee Environmental Council and the MTSU Center for Supply Chain Management & Sustainability
The forum fostered a productive dialogue among community and industry leaders, public officials, organizations, and agencies concerning the most effective and sustainable solid waste solutions that benefit all Tennesseans—our economy, communities, and the environment!
The conference composted more than 190 pounds of food and food service waste, contributing to MTSU’s and TEC’s Sustainability Commitment!!
Special Thank You To Our Panel Participants:
- State Senator Shane Reeves, District 14, Chair of the Senate Energy, Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Solid Waste Task Force
- Candida Layne, SOCM Director
- Joe Carr, Rutherford County Mayor
- Darren Gore, Murfreesboro City Manager
- Shane McFarland, Murfreesboro Mayor
- Donna Kopecky, Vice President, Sustainability at Kaiser Aluminum
- Don Haynes, EHS & Sustainability Manager at Florim USA
- Jake Morabito, American Legislative Exchange Council
- State Senator Heidi Campbell
- Gary Cohen, Executive Director,- Tennessee Waste To Jobs Coalition (TWTJ)
- Lindsay Ross, Wayne County Assistant Solid Waste Director, Keep Wayne County Beautiful Education & Outreach Coordinator
- Rob Hayes, Wayne County Solid Waste/Recycling Director, Keep Wayne County Beautiful Executive Director, Board of Directors for the Tennessee Recycling Coalition
- Mac Nolan, Williamson County Solid Waste Director
- Amber Greene, TDEC Program Administrator
- William Anderson, TDEC’s Materials Management Department – Environmental Manager
- Todd Smith, WastAway, Chief Communications Officer
- Laura Howard, Sevier County Solid Waste Operations Manager
- Don Gentilcore, Waste Management Area Director of Disposal
- Donna Barrett, Recycle Right TN, Solid Waste Task Force
- Dan Firth, Bill Author for the Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act
Thank you to our Panel Moderators & Student Volunteers:
- Dr. Rachel Peat Cornett, President of Recycle Rutherford
- Shelby White, 31-A Communications, WTW Producer & Writer
- Dr. Richard Tarpey, Director, Middle Tennessee State University Center for Supply Chain Management & Sustainability, and Associate Professor of Supply Chain
- G. Dodd Galbreath, Director, Institute for Sustainable Practice Graduate Program and Associate Professor of Sustainability
- Maris Masellis, Director of Communications and Community Impact, Tennessee Environmental Council
MTSU Supply Chain Alumni ON THE MOVE!
Supporting Partners – Thank You!
Synergy Program Partners – Thank You!
The Center for Supply Chain Management was initiated in August of 2024 to be at the forefront of innovation and collaboration. Our new Center is dedicated to advancing the future of supply chain management while promoting environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Our mission is to empower students, researchers, and industry leaders to tackle the challenges of modern global supply chains and create solutions that drive sustainable practices.
Richard Tarpey, Director
richard.tarpey@mtsu.edu
615-898-5312
MTSU Supply Chain Faculty:
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November 2025 Newsletter Edition
Fall 2025 Synergy Program In Progress
Geodis Distribution Center: 5 ISA and 2 Supply Chain students working on two projects)
Delek Headquarters: 2 Supply Chain students working on one project
MTSU Blue Fusion: 1 Project Management student working on Blue Fusion Project
ASCM Exam Prep Courses
The MTSU Center for Supply Chain Management and Sustainability is proud to partner with the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga (UTC) to communicate ASCM Exam Prep opportunities.
Join UTC and prepare for your ASCM Exams! We offer CPIM and ASCM Exam Prep programs that fit your schedule. UTC is an ASCM Authorized Academic Partner and our online, live classes are led by an APISC IDP Master Instructor. Payment plans available and price includes class materials, exam fees, and a one-year ASCM membership! VISIT THE UTC WEBSITE for learning options and details.
2024-2025 Supply Chain Scholarship and Award Winners
The Curtis and Jeannine Sawyer Scholarship
Timothy H. Greer
Dr. Richard Tarpey & Myra Tarpey Supply Chain Management Scholarship
Andrew L. Ennamorato
Michael H. Peters Scholarship in Supply Chain Management
Fernando Martinez
Outstanding Juniors in Supply Chain Management
Sydney K. Frassand & Evan L. Norris
Outstanding Seniors in Supply Chain Management
Bradley L. Vance & Kerolus M. Seddik
Consider applying for future scholarships. You can view the scholarships HERE
Graduate Student Spotlight
Kimberly Flick
Expected Graduation: May 2026
Q: What brought you to Middle Tennessee State University?
After researching several MS in Supply Chain Management programs at different universities, I chose MTSU because of its superior reputation. The SCM program at MTSU ranks among the highest in the nation. The business faculty at MTSU can offer a practical perspective to go along with the academic aspects of SCM as most have had successful careers or continue to work in the field. I also have seen the benefit to family members that have earned their undergraduate and graduate degrees through MTSU.
Q: Why did you choose Supply Chain Management at MTSU?
I have always worked in one area or another of Supply Chain Management, beginning with my family’s business and then moving into my current role as Production and Inventory Control Manager at NASG, a Tier II automotive stamping supplier, where I have been employed for the last twelve years. Although supply chain can be stressful at times, I enjoy the problem solving that is involved and helping to coordinate the production process, from receiving raw material for production to shipping the final product out the door to a satisfied customer.
Q: What have you learned so far from the program?
I have been able to learn many things from this program, both new concepts and by gaining a better, deeper understanding of others in which I was already familiar. The skills taught in project management, continuous improvement, lean Sixth Sigma, international supply chain management, marketing and purchasing, KPI development and analysis, DC management, and leadership make this program an asset that can be applied to a variety of supply chain roles.
Q: What do you see as the most significant challenge in the program?
The most significant challenge of this program, for me as an online student, is not being able to interact and discuss class concepts in person with professors and classmates. However, being able to complete this degree online while continuing to work full-time is also one of the biggest benefits for me. The discussion boards and Zoom meetings do help and all the professors I have had class with are willing to help in any way they can and make themselves available to answer questions.
Undergraduate Student Spotlight
Josh Allen
Expected Graduation: May 2026
Q: What brought you to Middle Tennessee State University?
I chose Middle Tennessee State University because it was affordable and close to home, which made it a practical option for me. MTSU professors came to Blackman High School to teach courses, and I took several dual enrollment classes. That experience made the transition to MTSU easy and helped me feel confident starting college.
Q: Why did you choose to study Supply Chain Management?
I first started in business management before deciding to focus on supply chain management. I really enjoyed Dr. Cliff Welborn’s Key Performance Indicators (KPI) course because it introduced hard skills I would not have learned otherwise. I also enjoy the problem-solving and critical thinking side of supply chain management; it feels like solving a puzzle.
Q: What have you learned so far from the program?
I have learned data cleansing and analytics through the Synergy program and other courses. My International Sourcing class taught me key principles that I was able to apply during my internship at V. Alexander. I have also gained valuable knowledge by attending supply chain management events, participating in clubs, and networking with more experienced students.
Q: What have you learned so far from the program?
I have been able to learn many things from this program, both new concepts and by gaining a better, deeper understanding of others in which I was already familiar. The skills taught in project management, continuous improvement, lean Sixth Sigma, international supply chain management, marketing and purchasing, KPI development and analysis, DC management, and leadership make this program an asset that can be applied to a variety of supply chain roles.
Q: What do you view as the most significant challenge about the program?
With supply chain being such a large umbrella, it is difficult to cover all aspects of the field within a four year curriculum. Each area, whether it is international sourcing, distribution, logistics, or operations, has its own unique challenges and skill sets, which can make choosing a specific direction feel overwhelming at first. I have found that getting involved in events, joining student organizations, and seeking opportunities to job shadow or intern has been the best way to explore different paths. Those experiences not only help narrow down what you are most passionate about but also provide practical exposure that strengthens what you learn in the classroom.
Center for Supply Chain Management & Sustainability Contact Us
Dr. Richard Tarpey
Director - MTSU Center for Supply Chain Management and Sustainability
Coordinator - Undergraduate and Graduate Supply Chain Programs
(615) 898-5312
Room N134B, Business & Aerospace Building (BAS)