The Kent C. "Oz" Nelson Logistics and Supply Chain Management Center for Excellence serves as a vital hub for innovation, education, and industry collaboration within the Miller College of Business. Named after distinguished alumnus and former UPS Chairman and CEO Kent C. "Oz" Nelson, the center bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world application to prepare the next generation of operational leaders.
Our Mission and Impact
The center promotes consistency and excellence throughout the logistics and supply chain field by focusing on process improvement and strategic growth. We serve as the recognized umbrella for the University’s efforts to advance supply chain management through a commitment to the Ball State spirit of Beneficence. Our mission is to engage students, faculty, and industry partners in a collaborative ecosystem that empowers future logistics and supply chain leaders. We provide rigorous, hands-on educational experiences and foster industry connections that lead to fulfilling careers, while advancing the economic vitality of our partners and the global supply chain community.
We built the center on four key concepts:
- Education: A rigorous curriculum challenges you to explore and apply relevant, leading skills and ideas in class and through extracurricular activities.
- Engagement: Expert professors transform the world into a classroom through site visits, case competitions, and internships.
- Employment: Valuable industry relationships lead to our 100 percent job placement rate for program graduates.
- Excellence: The program’s tremendous growth and influence since its inception in 2013 have garnered us respect and authority as a leader in preparing the next generation of logistics and supply chain professionals to excel.
Our Vision of the Future
We see a future where the Ball State University is the premier model of excellence for logistics and supply chain education, recognized for bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice. We aspire to drive innovation and supply chain resilience by cultivating a network of expert professionals and adaptive leaders who advance the field and improve quality of life.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
We provide a world-class education that empowers students to build the foundation for a fulfilling career and a meaningful life. Through the Miller College of Business, students gain the tools necessary to lead in the global marketplace.
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Experiential Learning: Guided by a faculty mentor, interdisciplinary student teams create unique, high-impact learning experiences that result in real-world results for community partners and award winning case competitions.
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Student Organizations: The Oz Nelson Center partners with our Logistics and Supply Chain student group to support their efforts offering experiences created by students for students.
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Professional Networking: We work to provide students with multiple opportunities to build their network in the industry. We utilize our partnerships with industry leaders to provide students build relationships and networks that will propel their career.
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Strategic Industry Partnerships
The center offers comprehensive logistics solutions and partnership opportunities for organizations across the region and beyond.
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Strategic Collaboration: We work with industry partners to develop integrated solutions across all points of the supply chain.
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Talent Pipeline: Partners gain access to a pipeline of skilled graduates who are prepared to lead in a global marketplace.
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Research and Innovation: Industry partners can engage with faculty and students on projects that leverage advanced technology and operational excellence.
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About Kent C. "Oz" Nelson
Kent C. "Oz" Nelson was a visionary leader whose career at United Parcel Service (UPS) transformed global logistics. His journey began as a part-time package handler while he was a student at Ball State. After graduating in 1959, he officially joined UPS and spent 37 years rising through the organization.
He served as Chairman and CEO of UPS from 1990 to 1996. During his tenure, he modernized the company by introducing a relentless focus on the customer, establishing its first operations outside of North America, and overseeing the growth of one of the world's largest airlines. Nelson was a pioneer in technology, championing the development of real-time package tracking and handheld scanning devices that remain industry standards. In 1991, he managed the strategic relocation of the UPS corporate headquarters to Atlanta.
True to the act of beneficence, Nelson’s legacy is defined by his commitment to educational reform and public health. He served as chairman of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and held leadership roles with the United Way, the Carter Center, and the CDC Foundation. He served on the Ball State University Foundation Board for 12 years and remained an active alumnus throughout his career. He was awarded with the the Business Hall of Fame Award in 1990, Distinguished Alumni Award in 1991, and an honorary doctorate in 1994 from the University.
Meet Our Director