Huntingdon Student Attends Trucking U

Photo: Chandler Buss ’24, left, with Mark Colson ’07

Montgomery, Ala.—Huntingdon College junior Chandler Buss, Class of 2024, was one of 18 college students nationwide selected by the American Trucking Association to attend Trucking U and the ATA’s Management Conference and Exhibition in San Diego, Calif., in October. Mr. Buss is a business administration major from Huntsville, Ala.

According to the ATA, Trucking U is an educational program for students at top business schools and universities around the country. “[Trucking U] exposes students to careers in trucking through networking opportunities at ATA’s events and [to] mentorship by future leaders in the industry,” wrote the ATA. “The program is focused on building connections that will help address key industry concerns, like supply chain issues and workforce shortages, and solve the problems of the future.”

After Mr. Buss mentioned his interest in supply chain management to Huntingdon dean of students Dr. Anthony Leigh, Dr. Leigh introduced him to alumnus and College trustee Mark Colson, Class of 2007, who serves as president and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association. Mr. Colson suggested he apply to attend Trucking U. He was notified of acceptance in August.

“Eye-opening and enlightening” are the two words Mr. Buss used regarding the program’s impact. “This program put me in touch with what I want to do professionally.”

“I already understood the importance of the supply chain because of COVID, but this opportunity helped me understand the depth of supply chain issues—how intricate and interdependent they are—the niche details and the effects policies have,” said Mr. Buss. “[Trucking U] 100 percent opened my eyes to the interrelationship of the supply chain and politics, as well.” The expenses for attending the three-day conference were fully covered by ATA sponsors.

“Huntingdon opens doors of opportunity for students,” said Dr. Leigh. “We have a host of alumni and friends of the College ready to help our students find and be part of resume-worthy experiences that prepare them well for their next steps beyond college. I’m proud of Chandler for pursuing this opportunity and for having the mindset to learn as much as he could and to connect with key people who could serve as mentors as he moves forward.”

Mr. Buss plans to enter a master’s program in supply chain management after graduating from Huntingdon.

Huntingdon College, founded in 1854, continues a legacy of faith, wisdom, and service through a liberal arts academic tradition grounded in the Judeo-Christian heritage of the United Methodist Church.

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