معرفی
James Kirby Easterling serves as Associate Professor and Program Director of Global Supply Chain Management at Eastern Kentucky University, holding a D.B.A. from the University of Florida alongside graduate and undergraduate degrees from Penn State and EKU. His academic career bridges theoretical research with practical industry applications in supply chain operations and strategic planning.
His educational background includes:
- D.B.A., University of Florida
- M.S.C.M., Penn State
- M.B.A., Eastern Kentucky University
- B.B.A., Eastern Kentucky University
Dr. Easterling's research examines critical intersections of supply chain management, strategic planning, and artificial intelligence. His work addresses urgent industry challenges including pandemic workforce disruptions, production optimization for specialty manufacturers, and strategic renewal in educational institutions. This applied scholarship connects academic theory with real-world business operations through case studies and implementable frameworks.
His 2022-2024 publications reveal evolving research priorities from foundational supply chain performance metrics toward strategic applications and educational methodology. Key themes include consortium-based cost reduction, professional development pathways, and strategic planning refresh cycles - all demonstrating practical relevance for both industry practitioners and academic administrators.
His scholarly recognition includes:
- Dr. Jack L Dyer Excellence in Teaching Award (2024)
- Mentor of the Month by University Research & Creative Endeavors (2024)
- Beta Gamma Sigma Professor of the Year (2022)
As Program Director, Dr. Easterling actively shapes curriculum development and student mentorship within the Global Supply Chain Management program. His professional memberships in ISM and ASCM provide industry connectivity that enriches classroom instruction with current practices. While specific grant funding isn't documented, his consistent publication record and program leadership indicate sustained research activity supported by institutional resources.
His professional engagement extends to Kiwanis Special Olympics, reflecting community involvement beyond academic pursuits. The absence of dedicated lab information suggests his research primarily utilizes industry case studies and institutional data rather than laboratory-based experimentation.
