The University of Central Arkansas has been awarded $3 million from the Arkansas Commercial Truck Safety and Education Program.
The funds will endow a chaired faculty position in the College of Business to support and expand the Supply Chain Logistics Management program, beginning with the 2015-2016 academic year.
The Arkansas Highway Commission recently announced the award, along with awards to the Arkansas Highway Police and the Arkansas Trucking Association. UCA was the only higher education institution to receive funding.
“This generous funding provides important resources that will allow the UCA College of Business to build upon the prior success of the Supply Chain Logistics Management faculty. Logistics and Supply Chain Management represents an important industry in Arkansas and is, indeed, the backbone of commerce across the nation,” said UCA President Tom Courtway. “We are proud to be able to expand our academic program to meet the growing talent demand from this industry and express our thanks to the Highway Commission and Director Scott Bennett.”
The Supply Chain Logistics Management major will train students in motor carrier operations, regulation, safety, risk management, transportation policy and labor relations, while also providing a well-rounded logistics and supply chain education.
“Trucking companies must employ properly trained managers to operate safely and profitably. UCA students will lead the trucking industry in safety, operational excellence, and future regulatory discussions,” said Doug Voss, associate professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
The award funding will be used to support implementation of the program, faculty and student research and establishment of a scholarship program.
The Arkansas Commercial Truck Safety and Education Program (ACTSEP) was enacted in 2013. The purpose was to advance Arkansas interests in roadway safety primarily through increased regulatory compliance, industry training and education programs.
The ACTSEP is funded with annual collections of a 15 percent registration fee increase for certain trucks operating in Arkansas under the International Registration Plan.
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