Chris Opatrny-Yazell, Ph.D., CPIM

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (Operations Management, minor in Applied Statistics). Kent State University, Kent, OH
• Master of Business Administration, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Majors: International Business and Management, German minor) Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
• C.P.I.M.  Lifetime certification. Association for Supply Chain Management (ACSM, formerly APICS)

As a Professor of Management, Dr. Opatrny-Yazell has published 23 peer-review articles during her career focusing on supply chain management, responsible practices & societal impact of business, as well as pedagogical research. Passion for social and environmental issues is evident in both the Supply Chain & Operations Management course in the business core and the Business as a Force for Good course in the management major. During her time at UCM, Chris served as Chair of the Department of Management for 15 years as well as Program Coordinator for an additional 4 years.

Previous to earning a doctorate, she had five years of professional experience in various roles for a Fortune 500 company the last of which was Master Production Scheduler. She also worked in retail distribution for two years.

Chris recently co-founded a non-profit theatre company and personally completed all of the state and federal paperwork to achieve non-profit status. Her process experience in non-profits provides an opportunity for her learners interested in founding a non-profit.

Chris has received teaching and advising awards and nominations at UCM: HCBPS Distinguished Faculty Award recipient, Faculty Advisor Award from Missouri Academic Advisor Association, Faculty Academic Adviser Finalist, two-time Governor’s Excellence in Education nominee. At Western Carolina Univ.: Board of Governors Innovative & Creative Teaching Award recipient, Kneedler Faculty Fellowship recipient, Kneedler Excellence in Teaching Award recipient, Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award nominee.