Tyler Holden
Staff Writer
On Jan. 4, 2023, Ashley McMillon, UNCG student in Information Systems and Supply Chain Management, was announced as the winner of the Spring 2023 Extensiv Supply Chain Scholarship competition. In her distinguished essay, McMillon paints a picture of what she envisions the world will be like in a future with augmented reality.
McMillon makes the case in her essay that developments in augmented reality will completely revolutionize how the existing supply chain operates. Communicating the paramount importance of augmented reality in shaping the future, McMillon outlines how the supply chain industry will be greatly impacted by the introduction of augmented reality, and she claims that it will ultimately change the field forever.
McMillon describes augmented reality in her essay as “a new, exciting branch of continuously evolving artificial intelligence.” As a theme of her essay, she zeroes in on this evolving nature of artificial intelligence and its continued advancement. She goes on to quote the article “What is Augmented Reality and How Does it Work?” by Think Lean Six Sigma, which defines augmented reality as “a technology that allows the combination or the insertion of virtual elements in the physical environment” (Soares). McMillon continues by detailing the ways in which augmented reality will make its mark on the supply chain industry, stating that augmented reality will lead to increases in both efficiency and productivity, enable the possibility of taking manual processes and digitizing them, as well as the streamlining of logistical processes. She concludes her essay by stating that augmented reality is “the next big advancement in supply chain management.”
Though it is often overlooked, the supply chain impacts everyone’s daily life. From the cost of goods, to the technology we utilize to make our lives easier, the supply chain has tremendous influence. It is easy to take for granted all that currently exists, as well as to miss all of the possibilities that augmented reality will make attainable.
The Spring 2023 Extensiv Supply Chain Scholarship was held by Extensiv. Extensiv describes itself as “a visionary technology leader focused on creating the future of omnichannel fulfillment. We partner with warehouse professionals and entrepreneurial brands to transform their fulfillment operations in the radically changing world of commerce and consumer expectations.”
The Supply Chain Scholarship essay contest held by Extensiv takes place on a semesterly basis. In order to apply, one must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in supply chain, logistics, operations management or an MBA student who is employed in the supply chain and logistics industry. The Fall 2023 application window opens on Feb. 1, 2023.
For perspective, the two runners-up who wrote essays of their own were Noah Walker of Duquesne University and Tess Porter of Arizona State University. Facing nationwide competition, McMillon represented the University of North Carolina at Greensboro exceptionally well in having her work chosen as the winning essay.
Extensiv described McMillon as “a bright student at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with a promising future career in information systems and supply chain management.”
Ashley’s success is a true reflection of our students’ potential and pioneering spirit. Our students are leading the way in innovation and charting the path for the future.
Like many students at UNCG, McMillon is a first-generation college student striving for success. She stated, “I am the first one in my family to attend university, so I will ensure that I make both you and my family proud. It is my goal to remain innovative and creative and continue to push the limits of technology for the betterment of the industry.” Not only does McMillon make UNCG proud, but she has also set a noteworthy example that can serve as an inspiration to other students who hope to accomplish similar goals.
THE CAROLINIAN 
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