International Transportation

When students in Dr. Chris Boone’s International Transportation course tackle the Blue Star Case Study, they don’t just analyze fictional logistics scenarios—they dive into real-time industry data. Thanks to a partnership with McLeod Software and MSU alumnus Ken Ezelle (‘85), Vice President and owner of Universal Logistics Services, the class now uses McLeod’s trucking management system (TMS), one of the industry’s leading logistics platforms.

What began as a student project built on static data has evolved into an immersive, hands-on experience. Students now work with authentic shipping rates, freight costs, and performance metrics—culminating in a board-style presentation to industry professionals.

The partnership extends beyond the classroom. McLeod invites MSU students and faculty to its annual user conference, offering networking, career insight, and professional exposure. For McLeod, it’s a chance to connect with the next generation of supply chain leaders; for students, it’s preparation for the fast-changing logistics industry.

“It’s been a win-win,” says Ezelle. “Students get hands-on experience with one of the leading systems in transportation—and that makes them industry-ready before graduation.”