ASA Leads the Conversation on the Future of Distribution at Texas A&M

This week, ASA visited Texas A&M University in College Station to meet with faculty from the Industrial Distribution (ID) program. The visit provided valuable insight into the university’s forward-thinking approach to preparing the next generation of distribution professionals and opened the door to deeper collaboration between academia and industry.
 

During the visit, ASA representatives met with faculty and staff deeply engaged in hands-on, industry-relevant education. Students were observed in lab settings that simulate real-world distribution environments—a powerful reflection of Texas A&M’s commitment to blending technology, data, and applied learning to strengthen workforce readiness.
 

ASA shared insights into the workforce challenges facing distributors across the country, highlighting key mega-trends shaping the industry—from digital transformation and AI integration to generational shifts and evolving customer expectations. These conversations sparked thoughtful dialogue on how Texas A&M and ASA can align efforts to better prepare the future workforce and develop educational resources that address emerging needs head-on.
 

AI was a particularly energizing topic, underscoring how both organizations are thinking strategically about its implications for operations, leadership, and professional development. The visit reflected a shared commitment to advancing the distribution profession and set the stage for continued collaboration to deliver even greater value and resources to ASA members and the broader industry.