Supply Chain Trends and Issues: Our Weekly Feature Article on Important Trends and Developments in Supply Chain Strategy, Research, Best Practices, Technology and Other Supply Chain and Logistics Issues  
 
 
  - March 7, 2010 -  

Supply Chain Thought Leader Tom Mentzer of the University of Tennessee Loses Cancer Battle


Former Recipient of Industry’s Highest Supply Chain Honor was 58; a Prolific Contributor, and Celebrator of Life

 
     
     
  by SCDigest Editorial Staff  
     
 
SCDigest Says:
Mentzer was one of the industry’s most visible supply chain thought leaders, a reputation earned from the dozens of articles and presentations he had made over the years over a 30-year career at the University of Tennessee.

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Many in the supply chain industry were mourning the death of Dr. John “Tom” Mentzer of the University of Tennessee, who passed away last week after a long illness, succumbing to a form melanoma cancer.

 

Mentzer was one of the industry’s most visible supply chain thought leaders, a reputation earned from the dozens of articles and presentations he had made over the years over a 30-year career at the University of Tennessee.

 

Just two years ago, he co-authored a well-received article in the Harvard Business Review titled Are You the Weakest Link in Your Supply Chain?, along with Reuben Slone (exec VP of Supply Chain at OfficeMax) and J. Paul Dittmann, (formerly of Whirlpool and now also at the University of Tennessee). That article asked CEOs to take a bit of a look in the mirror when it comes to their company’s supply chain performance, and was forwarded within the executive ranks at many companies.

 

In 2004, Mentzer received the Distinguished Service Award from the Council of Supply Chain Professionals (CSCMP), generally thought to be the supply chain industry’s top honor. He is a former president of the Council of Logistics Management, which changed its name to CSCMP in 2004.

 

His subject matter expertise ranged from traditional logistics to executive issues to Sales & Operations planning and much more.

 

Tom was a unique individual in that he made a significant contribution to two disciplines – marketing and logistics/supply chain,” says Dr. Mary Holcomb, a colleague at the University of Tennessee.

 

She said that at his service on Saturday, it was noted that he had written 190 articles and eight books. 

 

“He was such a prolific writer and as you can tell from the output he enjoyed this very much,” she added. “I think the thing that impressed me just as much is that he wrote a short book about his experiences in dealing with cancer.  It was a very uplifting book. One of the things he posited about life was that it is a choice of enduring or celebrating.  Tom always chose to celebrate life – even to the end.   Those of us who visited with him throughout his courageous battle were simply in awe of how he managed to keep a positive outlook.  He continued to work with colleagues until he couldn’t any longer.”

 

“No matter how busy he was, Tom would always take the time to listen and if wanted, to offer advice,” Holcomb added.  “My last visit with him, he was still giving me counsel.  I will always be grateful for his input and guidance.”

 

Holcomb said that many of his former doctoral students and MBA students attended the funeral services on Saturday, with people coming in from around the country.  

 

(Supply Chain Trends and Issues Article - Continued Below)

 

 
 
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“All of them noted the impact that Tom had on their careers,” she said. “That was his goal – to lead an impactful life; one that made a difference.  It is without question that he accomplished this. “

 

SCDigest editor Dan Gilmore had similar observations.

“One of the things that made Tom special was that he seemed to enjoy logistics and supply chain management as much as anyone in the industry, and clearly brought that passion and often humor into his work and his presentations,” Gilmore said.

 

Mentzer was a Chancellor’s Professor and held the Bruce Chair of Excellence in the College of Business Administration at the University of Tennessee. He was a past president of the Academy of Marketing Science and was Executive Director for the University of Tennessee’s Demand & Supply Integration Forums.

 

Do you have any memories of Dr. Tom Mentzer you would like to share? Let us know your thoughts at the Feedback button below.

  

 

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