Werner Enterprises Supports UNO’s Supply Chain, Logistics and Technology Programs

Students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) pursuing careers in supply chain management, logistics, information technology and more will benefit from a gift from Werner Enterprises, Inc. The philanthropic investment represents a strategic partnership with UNO’s College of Information Science and Technology and the supply chain management program in its College of Business Administration.

Werner Enterprises, headquartered in Omaha and one of the nation’s largest transportation and logistics companies, has made a monetary gift commitment to the University of Nebraska Foundation. The gift establishes three funds to support a range of UNO student-focused programs, curriculum and events at both the collegiate and secondary education levels.

“We are proud to promote industry innovation through our partnership with a fellow Omaha-area organization with the common goal of strengthening Omaha as a premier employment destination,” said Werner Enterprises President and Chief Executive Officer Derek Leathers. “There is a growing need for talent with technical specialization and this investment reflects Werner’s commitment to becoming an employer of choice for supply chain management, logistics and information technology professionals.”

Here’s how the funds established by Werner Enterprises will help:

• The Werner Enterprises Information Sciences and Technology Fund will provide support to the College of Information Sciences and Technology for its student organizations and women in IT group and to secure guest speakers. It will support the college’s Code Crush program, an annual series of iSTEM immersion workshops for 8th and 9th-grade girls and their teachers that uses an integrated approach to the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It will also support the UNO IT Innovation Cup, an annual competition that engages Nebraska and Iowa high school students in information technology.

• The Werner Enterprises Supply Chain Management Fund will provide support to the College of Business Administration and its supply chain management program by helping student organizations and programs, securing guest speakers and more.

• The Werner Enterprises Supply Chain Innovation Fund provides support for both the College of Business and College of Information Sciences and Technology for curriculum enhancements. The fund will also launch the new annual Werner Enterprises Lecture, which will host national experts to address the impact of emerging information technologies on companies’ supply chain and logistics and other key challenges facing organizations such as Werner Enterprises and others.

Lynn Harland, interim dean of the College of Business Administration, said the support from Werner Enterprises represents a collaboration designed to develop the IT-enabled supply chain management workforce.

“The Werner Supply Chain Innovation Fund will enhance the educational and career opportunities available to our students through increased support for collaborative efforts of the College of Business Administration and the College of Information Science and Technology,” Harland said. “Training and education focused on IT-enabled logistics and supply chain management will provide our graduates with the skills necessary to excel in the 21st-century workforce. In addition to supporting our students, training and professional development will be available for working professionals seeking to improve their skill sets and grow the economy of Nebraska.”

Hesham Ali, dean of the College of Information Science and Technology, said the university is extremely thankful for the continuous support of Werner Enterprises.

“The investment Werner is making in support of CodeCrush and the Supply Chain Innovation Fund showcase their commitment to higher education and their dedication to ensuring more students have engaging opportunities to explore information technology careers,” Ali said. “We could not be more honored to have their partnership.”

About Werner Enterprises

Werner Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1956 and is a premier transportation and logistics company, with coverage throughout North America, Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and Australia. Werner maintains its global headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska and maintains offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. Werner is among the five largest truckload carriers in the United States, with a diversified portfolio of transportation services that includes dedicated, medium-to-long-haul, regional and expedited van; and temperature-controlled. The Werner Logistics portfolio includes truck brokerage, freight management, intermodal, international and final mile services. International services are provided through Werner’s domestic and global subsidiary companies and include ocean, air and ground transportation; freight forwarding; and customs brokerage.