Catherine Gingerich is a busy project manager at PepsiCo in the Dallas area. As a mom, she balances her professional work with a hectic home life as well. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2012 and since that time has served at PepsiCo several different capacities and roles.
With her extensive professional background, Gingerich was intrigued when listening to faculty at the Sam M. Walton College of Business discuss their online Master of Supply Chain Management program while at a work-sponsored event.
“After undergrad, I had no intentions of going back to school ever again,” Gingerich said. “I didn’t seriously consider it until my department’s VP brought in educators from the Sam M. Walton College of Business to speak to us about the Supply Chain Management program. Everyone was so passionate when the spoke about the program, even giving us a small taste of what the content would look like. I was intrigued. After all, learning is fun!”
“The application process wasn’t complicated, and I was eligible for a GMAT/GRE test waiver because I had a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional work experience – woo! The best part was that through my employment benefits with PepsiCo, they would pay for a majority of the program!”
Several of her coworkers were interested as well, but all were concerned about the challenges of going back to school while holding down a full-time job. Ultimately, they knew that teamwork makes the dream work. [Pictured above, left to right, are MSCM '25 teammates Nick Cortes, Catherine Gingerich, Dominic Biasi and Zachary Keating.]
“While all of this was convincing, as a full-time working parent, I knew the time commitment and discipline would be a challenge. So along with four other coworkers, we decided to join forces and start the program as a united front,” she said. “Together we have been able to hold each other accountable with study groups, reminding each other of key due dates, and attending office hours with our instructors for active conversation about course content.”
The online programs at the University of Arkansas were developed to blend the expertise of a top public research university with the flexibility of a program students can participate in from home. It is an affordable way to invest in your future.
“I cannot say enough positive things about the SCM program. From the start, the flexibility and structure of the program have made it possible for me to balance my professional responsibilities, family life, and academic goals. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, blending practical application with strong academic theory. Courses are led by instructors who not only bring deep industry experience but also understand the demands on adult learners who are working full-time. The online format is user-friendly and engaging with opportunities to apply concepts to current workplace challenges.”
At Walton College, the faculty within the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management are world-class teachers, researchers and practitioners. For the sixth straight year, the department was ranked No. 5 in empirical supply chain research by The SCM Journal List. Not to be outdone, the college’s undergraduate supply chain program was ranked No. 1 in North America by Gartner, the leading global research firm. Walton College’s graduate supply chain program falls in step with a No. 2 in North America ranking from Gartner.
“The instructors have been amazing to learn from. Everyone is genuinely invested in your success,” she added. “I’ve been able to immediately apply what I’m learning to my work in supply chain operations, which has enhanced my performance and broadened my career outlook.”
The experience for Gingerich started out as a surprise but has been worthwhile.
“I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to deepen their supply chain expertise, regardless of what phase of life you are in. It’s rigorous, rewarding, and remarkably accommodating for working professionals. Time is going to pass by regardless, might as well fit in a master’s degree!”
