By: Marc Ransford—
Muncie, Indiana – During a ceremony beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, Ball State will dedicate the Kent C. “Oz” Nelson Logistics and Supply Chain Management Center for Excellence to honor the 1959 graduate for his remarkable career and lasting impact on the university and the Miller College of Business.
Nelson graduated from Ball State with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and received an honorary doctorate of laws in 1994. He worked for UPS for 37 years, culminating as chairman and chief executive officer from 1989 to 1996.
Nelson has made numerous contributions to Ball State, not only in terms of philanthropic support but also with his time and expertise. He served as a member of the Ball State Foundation Board of Directors for 12 years, a member on three university capital campaign committees and an active member of the Miller College Dean’s Executive Board since its inception 2003.
The naming of the center after Nelson is a result of a $1.2 million campaign that included support from the Avis Industrial Corp. and a gift from Nelson.
The Kent C. “Oz” Nelson Logistics and Supply Chain Management Center for Excellence enhances faculty capability and student learning with resources and industry collaborations. The 1,500-square-foot center features:
- support for the logistics and supply chain management program, which has 100 percent career placement for its graduates
- the Allegion Logistics Lab, which provides students with 24-hour access to specialized logistics and management software and 36 logistics and supply chain student workstations for homework, studying, and projects
- a staffed reception area offering assistance and advice for students seeking internships, information about the program’s major and minors, and networking opportunities with industry leaders
- offices and a conference room
Ball State’s Logistics and Supply Chain Management Center for Excellence (LSCM Center) leverages relationships with industry professionals to create a robust academic program that prepares students for a successful career in fast-paced, high-tech job fields.
