Starting this fall, Fort Valley State University is offering a new major that promises to become popular among students.
 
FVSU received approval from the University System of Georgia's Board of Regents to offer a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in supply chain and logistics management. The major is designed to meet strong market needs in Middle Georgia, the state and globally. According to the Georgia Department of Labor's state and regional occupational annual projections, approximately 4,290 job openings exist in logistics-related careers.
 
"The approval of this degree program is a monumental step in the right direction for FVSU. I applaud the faculty and staff who developed this worthwhile program that will prepare current and future students to thrive in this critical area," said T. Ramon Stuart, provost and vice president for academic affairs.
 
The supply chain and logistics management major is housed in the Department of Business Administration and Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences. The department, under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Gyapong, also offers majors in accounting, management and marketing.
 
Dr. Uppinder Mehan, FVSU's College of Arts and Sciences dean, sees the major as a natural outgrowth of student demand, "Our Supply Chain minor has enjoyed strong enrollment over the last few years, and students have continually asked for a full program. Our current minor has helped students be competitive in the job market; the major will move them heads and shoulders above their peers."
 
Middle Georgia is home to several large organizations with critical supply chain logistics components and needs. Located in Fort Valley, Blue Bird Corporation is the leading school bus manufacturer in North America. Other regional industries include Robins Air Force Base, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Tractor Supply Chain and Frito Lay.
 
The new major is available primarily on the FVSU campus in Fort Valley, with select courses offered on the Warner Robins campus. Through partnerships, students will receive internships and contemporary on-the-job training, in addition to gaining theoretical knowledge in the classroom.