U of A Launches Contested Logistics Consortium

The U of A has launched the Contested Logistics Consortium (CLC), a multidisciplinary initiative that brings together expertise from across campus to strengthen the nation's ability to move people, equipment and critical resources during disruption and in contested environments.

Housed within the Sam M. Walton College of Business, the CLC builds on the university's nationally recognized leadership in supply chain management while drawing expertise from disciplines across campus, including engineering, data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and public policy.  

The consortium is led by Brian Fugate, associate dean for graduate programs and research and chair of the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management, whose work brings together researchers with defense practitioners, industry leaders and government partners to conduct applied research, prepare future leaders to operate in complex logistics environments and translate commercial supply chain innovation into practical solutions that strengthen resilience, preparedness and national readiness.

One of the CLCs first major initiatives will be the inaugural Made in America Contested Logistics Summit, Sept. 10-11 at The Ledger in Bentonville. Co-hosted by the Walton College, STATION NWA and Capital Factory, the summit will bring together leaders in manufacturing, entrepreneurship, defense and supply chain innovation to explore how resilient domestic manufacturing, dual-use technologies and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen both economic competitiveness and national preparedness.

"The Contested Logistics Consortium reflects Walton College's commitment to solving complex logistics challenges through collaboration," said Brent Williams, dean of the Walton College of Business. "As home to one of the nation’s top-ranked supply chain management programs, Walton College combines world-class supply chain expertise, a globally influential commercial logistics ecosystem and growing engagement with government and defense partners in a single environment. The Made in America Contested Logistics Summit will showcase this unique combination by bringing together these leaders to help strengthen America's supply chains and industrial future."

The CLC's mission also extends into the classroom. This fall, Walton College will introduce Supply Chains Under Fire, a new course that gives students direct exposure to the operational realities of contested logistics through engagement with military and industry leaders. U of A System President and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jay B. Silveria will serve as an instructor for the course alongside Fugate, giving students the opportunity to gain experience directly from senior national security leadership while reinforcing the university's commitment to preparing the next generation of supply chain professionals.

"The future of contested logistics depends on bringing together the best ideas from academia, industry and defense," Fugate said. "The Contested Logistics Consortium creates that environment. We're building a place where research informs practice, practitioners shape education and students graduate prepared to solve some of the nation's most complex supply chain challenges."

“The University of Arkansas is uniquely positioned to contribute to the future of contested logistics through our strengths in supply chain, engineering, data and industry partnerships,” Silveria said. “This consortium expands that impact while preparing the next generation of leaders.”

About the Sam M. Walton College of Business: The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas is one of the nation's leading public business schools, serving more than 10,300 students across undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs. Through applied learning, impactful research, and deep industry partnerships, Walton prepares leaders to compete and innovate in a global economy.

About STATION NWA: STATION NWA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded to accelerate entrepreneurship and innovation in the supply-chain, manufacturing and logistics sectors in Northwest Arkansas. In partnership with Capital Factory, STATION NWA brings a critical mass of national-level resources, mentorship and investor networks to Northwest Arkansas — providing a launchpad for founders and companies with ambitions in dual-use manufacturing, advanced logistics and frontier technologies.

About Capital Factory: Capital Factory is the most active early-stage investor in Texas and a nationally recognized engine for entrepreneurial growth. With boots on the ground in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Bentonville and Washington, D.C., Capital Factory brings together founders, talent, investors, government and industry leaders to make the introductions that matter most. Capital Factory's long history of backing first-time founders, delivering top-tier returns and connecting innovation hubs enables world-changing entrepreneurs to turn early ideas into scalable companies and jobs.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributed more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.