Donald J. Bowersox, one of the early partners who worked closely with the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) to create its Executive Development Program (EDP), held in conjunction with Michigan State University (MSU), passed away recently after a reoccurring battle with cancer, announced Dan Mathews, NCE5, NAMA executive vice president and chief operating officer. He was 79.
Bowersox was dean emeritus and professor emeritus of MSU’s marketing and supply chain management. He dedicated more than 40 years of his life to the university, and is largely responsible for the stature that the Broad College has in the field of supply chain management today. In addition, he was a lead faculty member of the EDP from 2000 until his retirement in 2006 and participated in 7 of the past EDPs.
“Don’s contribution to the development of NAMA’s EDP was significant, and today the program is one of the most highly acclaimed at NAMA. The program’s first-rate speakers, incredible networking possibilities and excellent opportunity to strengthen leadership skills are reasons past participants continue to give it stellar reviews,” said Mathews in a prepared statement.
A pioneer of supply chain and logistics scholarship and management, Bowersox was one of the most well-known and influential supply chain management academics worldwide. He earned three degrees at MSU, a B.A. in 1954, an M.B.A. in 1958 and a Ph.D. in 1960. He joined the MSU faculty in 1966.
He was appointed as the John H. McConnell Chair in Business Administration in 1985, in recognition of his contributions to academia, industry and the community. He served as the dean of the Broad College from 2001 to 2002, and in 2002 he was honored with the Broad College’s first lifetime alumni achievement award.
Throughout his career, Bowersox wrote textbooks that were translated into 15 languages and used around the world, and after he retired, he continued writing articles and co-authoring textbooks.
Concluded Mathews, “Don’s contributions to NAMA have been immeasurable, and we are thankful for all his efforts on our behalf. He will certainly be missed.”
