The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) has named Remko van Hoek, professor of supply chain management in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, as the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award (DSA)—the industry's highest individual honor.

The DSA recognizes individuals who have made significant, consistent, and career-spanning contributions to the logistics and supply chain management profession. Van Hoek's impact spans academia, industry, and thought leadership over more than two decades. As the recipient of the DSA, van Hoek was also inducted into the Supply Chain Hall of Fame for 2025.

From Corporate Leadership to Academic Excellence

A globally recognized expert in both academic and practitioner circles, van Hoek’s contributions span more than two decades and bridge academia, industry practice, and executive leadership. Prior to joining the faculty in the Walton College, van Hoek held senior executive roles at The Walt Disney Company, Nike, and PwC. He continues to advise Fortune 500 companies and public institutions on procurement strategy and supply chain resilience. 

His research has garnered international recognition, featured in leading publications such as Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review. His books have been translated into multiple languages, extending his influence to global audiences. According to standardized citation metrics, he ranks in the top 2% of scientists worldwide and among the top 1,500 researchers in business and management.

"We're honored to have Remko on our faculty," said Marc Scott, department chair of supply chain management. "A globally recognized scholar, his work shapes both boardroom decisions and classroom learning. His research is widely cited and continues to influence how organizations manage their supply chains. This award affirms his significant impact on the field."

Leading the Supply Chain Hall of Fame

In addition to teaching procurement at the Walton College, van Hoek serves as executive director of the CSCMP Supply Chain Hall of Fame, located in Rogers, Arkansas—a prestigious institution celebrating pioneers and innovators in global supply chain management. As part of the distinguished service award, he is automatically inducted into the Supply Chain Hall of Fame, joining an elite group of Arkansas leaders in the field, including Lee Scott (former CEO and chairman of Walmart), J.B. Hunt (founder of J.B. Hunt Transport Services), and Matthew Waller (dean emeritus of the Walton College).

"It continues to be the privilege of a lifetime to serve the supply chain discipline, its professionals, and students around the world," van Hoek said. "It is humbling to be recognized alongside such distinguished Arkansans and to teach in the number one supply chain program in the United States."

Van Hoek was formally recognized at CSCMP's annual EDGE conference, held October 5–8, 2025, in National Harbor, Maryland. EDGE is the industry's premier gathering of supply chain professionals, bringing together leaders from across disciplines and sectors for dialogue, innovation, and celebration.

About the Sam M. Walton College of Business: Founded in 1926, the Sam M. Walton College of Business stands as one of the largest colleges at the University of Arkansas, serving over 10,000 students across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. The college holds AACSB accreditation and consistently ranks among the top business schools in the United States. Walton College ranks 25th for its undergraduate business program among public colleges and 24th for its M.B.A. program among public colleges in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 national rankings. In addition, its undergraduate supply chain management program is recognized as the No. 1 program in North America by Gartner and the entrepreneurship graduate program is ranked 22nd for 2025 by Princeton Review.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.