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ISM® Announces 2026 R. Gene Richter Scholarship Winners

On April 10, 2026, the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) revealed the six outstanding recipients of the highly esteemed 2026 R. Gene Richter Scholarship. This award stands as one of the most competitive recognitions for undergraduate students dedicated to pursuing careers in supply chain management within the United States. The selected scholars exemplify exemplary academic performance, leadership qualities, and early professional engagements that showcase their potential to considerably influence the supply chain sector in the future.

Highlighting the Scholarship Recipients

The honor of being a Richter Scholar is awarded based on numerous criteria, which includes not only academic brilliance but also leadership roles, extracurricular participation, and relevant professional experiences such as internships and case competitions. The recipients for this year’s scholarship are:

• - Mariana Agadis, Pennsylvania State University
• - Lucas Bruns, University of South Carolina
• - Isabella Chavez, University of Arkansas
• - Luke Ritchie, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• - Mason Stone, University of South Carolina
• - Jack Umsted, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

This group of scholars joins an esteemed network of over 150 previous Richter Scholars from 30 universities nationwide, all of whom have been acknowledged since the program's establishment in 2004. They now contribute to various sectors, including industry, consultancy, and global supply chains.

A Testament to Future Leadership

Elizabeth Richter Dashe, CPSM, CSCP and principal of the R. Gene and Nandy D. Richter Foundation, expressed pride in the new cohort of scholars, stating, “This year's scholars have already demonstrated the curiosity, discipline, and leadership mindset that supply chain will require in an increasingly complex global environment.” This sentiment was echoed by ISM’s Interim CEO Debbie Fogel-Monnissen, who asserted that these promising students are set to become the future leaders of supply chain management.

The 2026 Richter Scholars are set to be honored during a special executive session as well as the ISM Awards Gala, which will take place on April 27 at ISM World 2026, ISM’s annual conference scheduled from April 26 to 28 in Denver.

Scholarship Impact and Benefits

Now in its 23rd year, the R. Gene Richter Scholarship offers up to $15,000 in tuition assistance to the awarded students. Additionally, recipients gain access to an executive mentor who is an established leader in the field, along with a junior mentor who is also a former Richter scholar. This structure fosters the development of valuable peer networks and early professional experiences that are crucial for long-term career success.

The R. Gene Richter Scholarship was founded in memory of R. Gene Richter, a catalyst in the procurement realm, who worked diligently to uplift the profession to global standards. His leadership held significant roles at Stanley Black & Decker, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM, making him a revered figure in the industry.

For more details regarding the R. Gene Richter Scholarship Program and this year's winners, interested parties can visit richterfoundation.org and ismworld.org/awards.

About the Institute for Supply Management®

ISM® is renowned as the first and leading not-for-profit professional supply management organization globally. With a community comprising over 200,000 members across more than 100 countries, ISM manages approximately $1 trillion in corporate and government supply chain procurement annually. Since its inception in 1915 by practitioners, ISM has made significant contributions to enhance the global supply chain community, enabling individual and organizational success through various reports, certifications, corporate services, and events.

For further details, please visit www.ismworld.org.

About the R. Gene and Nancy D. Richter Foundation

The R. Gene and Nancy D. Richter Foundation is a 501c3 private family foundation committed to community service through educational opportunities for both supply chain and non-traditional undergraduates, while also supporting various community interests. The foundation manages the R. Gene Richter and Nancy D. Richter Scholarship programs designed to identify and fast-track future leaders in supply chain management.

For more information, please visit www.richterfoundation.org.