Kole Mewhorter, a University of Wisconsin-Stout graduate in business administration and supply chain management, was recognized on Mar. 31 as one of the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) 2025 ISM 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars.
The recognition highlights young professionals making significant contributions to supply chain, procurement, and operations roles globally. The award aims to showcase leadership and innovation among emerging leaders in the field.
Debbie Fogel-Monnissen, interim chief executive officer of ISM, said, “These rising leaders reflect the strength and future of the supply management profession. Their curiosity, discipline and commitment to continuous improvement are helping organizations navigate complexity and build more resilient, forward-looking supply chains.”
Mewhorter works as a demand planner at H.B. Fuller after joining the company shortly after graduation. He was promoted within seven months and has played an important role in developing regional demand planning teams and implementing standardized review processes that improved forecasting accuracy across business segments. “Receiving this award means that there is a sense of what I am doing day-to-day is meaningful. Earning a global recognition justifies to me that I can continue to make a difference. I am proud of that,” Mewhorter said.
He also developed key performance indicators (KPIs), analytical tools such as dashboards for enhanced reporting, contributed to new stocking strategies, SKU rationalization initiatives, and worked closely with various teams within H.B. Fuller to align production capabilities with customer demand.
Reflecting on his education at UW-Stout near his hometown Chippewa Falls, Mewhorter credited hands-on learning experiences for preparing him for workplace challenges: “I am StoutProud that I went to a university that challenged me more than other universities… It wasn’t just lectures and exams. It was opportunities to think critically, problem-solve and execute on deliverables.”
The University of Wisconsin-Stout features modern labs, studios, industry-linked spaces according to its official website. The institution is recognized as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University due to its blend of theory with practical application according to its official website. As part of the University of Wisconsin System according to its official website, UW-Stout focuses on preparing students for careers through hands-on learning methods according to its official website, provides laptops through its eStout program according to its official website, and builds partnerships with businesses for internships and career development opportunities according to its official website.
Looking ahead at trends in supply chain management driven by technology changes like artificial intelligence (AI), Mewhorter said: “I see the future of supply chain becoming one of the most critical departments within an organization… Strong supply chain departments will persevere through difficult economic activity and effectively adopt new technology.”
