Don Bowersox

Dean Emeritus and Professor of Marketing and Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University, Don Bowersox passed away unexpectedly on July 4 after a battle with cancer. He was a friend and mentor to so many people over the years, including MSU Supply Chain Chair Dave Closs, who says Don was surrounded by his family at his summer home in Traverse City when he passed. Don devoted more than 40 years to MSU and the Broad College, and he was a true pioneer in the logistics discipline.

Bowersox was the last living founder of the National Council of Physical Distribution Management (NCPDM). He was elected the second president of the organization in 1964, and awarded the second Distinguished Service Award of the organization in 1966. NCPDM's name was changed to the Council of Logistics Management in 1985 and again to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals in 2005 when the organization broadened its vision and mission to encompass Supply Chain Management. He remained active and influential in CSCMP's programs and programming from its founding to his passing.

Over his career, Bowersox authored over 250 articles on marketing, transportation, and logistics. In 2008, Bowersox along with Nick LaHowchic (a former supply chain executive at The Limited Brands), co-authored the popular book, “Start Pulling Your Chain”. At the 2010 CSCMP Annual Global Conference, Bowersox together with his two sons presented, Supply Chain the Discipline: Past, Present, and Future.

Bowersox will be remembered as a legend in the supply chain management profession and has paved the way for supply chain strategies into the future. He will be missed by many colleagues, friends, and family along with our entire profession.