Georgia Magazine - February 2022 - 8

GEORGIA News
Compiled by Jennifer J. Hewett
Georgia institutions respond to
the supply chain crisis
W
ith shortages of cargo containers,
truck drivers and workers coupled
with bare shelves in grocery stores,
the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed weak
links in the global supply chain, and manufacturers
and distributors are still reeling
from the effects.
Supply chains have become more
complex over the last two decades, says
Alan Mackelprang, director of the logistics
and supply chain management program at
Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.
" There has been a shortage of supply
chain labor for a long time, but it wasn't
until the pandemic that other factors made
the shortage more pronounced and highly
visible, " he says.
Georgia Southern is one of 10 University
System of Georgia (USG) institutions
that offer programs related to the supply chain, with 15 available
degrees ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. The goal
of these programs is not only to provide students with the skills
and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry but also to
strengthen the labor force in Georgia by providing top talent to
state businesses.
" Supply chain programs offered by USG institutions
provide students with the problem-solving skills and supply
chain knowledge needed to manage and lead modern organizations, "
USG Associate Vice Chancellor of Communications
Lance Wallace says.
Recent graduates from Georgia Southern have found jobs
at several Georgia-based companies, including Gulfstream,
Home Depot, The Coca-Cola Co. and Norfolk Southern. Job
titles have included area managers, supply chain consultants,
strategic sourcing specialists and functional data analysts.
The Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta is home
to the Supply Chain and Logistics Institute, which has been a
global leader in research for 30 years. The goal of the institute
is to " lead transdisciplinary research, innovation and education,
which enable new ways of designing, optimizing and managing
sustainable supply chains and logistics systems, " says Tim
Brown, managing director.
In 2020, Georgia exported more than $38.8 billion in goods,
making it the 10th-largest exporting state, Wallace says.
" We want to be sure our students are graduating with the
skills and training needed for the jobs of the future, " he says.
" By strengthening our partnerships with the Georgia business
community, we can continue to improve the alignment of our
degree programs with industry needs, including in logistics and
supply chain management. "
-Alexandra Shimalla
Report invasive lizards
Argentine black-and-white tegu
8 Georgia Magazine February 2022
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is asking for help in finding and
removing invasive Argentine black-and-white tegu lizards, found in Southeast
Georgia, mostly in Tattnall and Toombs counties. This species, the largest of all tegus,
can reach 4 feet long and weigh 10 pounds or more. The lizards pose a significant
threat to native wildlife, including gopher tortoises and ground-nesting birds, such
as bobwhite quail, wild turkeys and whippoorwills. To report sightings in the wild,
visit gainvasives.org/tegus, call (478) 994-1438 or email gainvasives@dnr.ga.gov;
note the location and take a photo, if possible.
UGA CAES
ISTOCK.COM / TRYAGING
http://www.gainvasives.org/tegus
Georgia Magazine - February 2022

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