Tricia Kerns, Ed.D.

  University Lecturer Senior Stat
  708-534-4999 ext. 4999
  Office Location: C 3319
  Office Hours: Varies by semester. Please see syllabus.
  College: COB

  
 
Programs:
Operations/Supply Chain Management

  
  

EXPERTISE


Supply Chain
Mid-Level/Executive Leadership
Operations Management

FACULTY PROFILE

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Olivet Nazarene University
M.B.A., Governors State University
B.A., Governors State University

BIOGRAPHY

 Dr. Tricia Kerns brings over 20 years of leadership experience across manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, operations management, materials management, Lean Six Sigma, strategic sourcing, procurement, and logistics. A recognized expert in supply chain management and continuous improvement, she has built a distinguished career leading organizational transformation through efficiency, innovation, and strategic leadership.

Dr. Kerns is also Governors State University, Associate Director of Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business (SCICBI). An Illinois State funded center engaged to promoted innovation and contribute to the economic and workforce development of Chicago’s southland region.  Her leadership role includes participating in planning and budgeting for the center.  She leads efforts with the development of training and consulting as well as other professional services to businesses and startups in supply chain/logistics and related sectors.    

She serves as Committee Chair for the CPIM International Exam with the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), contributing to the advancement of global professional standards in the field.

As an educator, Dr. Kerns has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Supply Chain Management, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma for Supply Chain, Leadership, Total Quality Management, Production and Operations Management, Logistics, Transportation, Distribution, Production and Materials Management, Ethics, and Project Management. 

Her extensive list of professional certifications reflects her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. She holds credentials from multiple leading organizations, including: 

ASCM Certified Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD) 

 ASCM Certified Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)

ASCM Certified Transformation for Supply Chain (CTSC)

 Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) and Black Belt (LSSBB)

 Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM®)

 Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) SCPro Level 1

 Shop Floor Leadership, Master Leadership, Operations Leadership, Executive Leadership credentials

Through her teaching, professional service, and industry engagement, Dr. Kerns continues to shape the next generation of supply chain leaders and promote excellence in operations and strategic management. 

                                                     RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS

Dissertation: Global competition: A qualitative study exploring the change in business models and strategies of Midwest manufacturing companies that address their competitiveness in the global economy.Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL (2011)