Navy admiral honored as distinguished MBA alumnus
Neeli Bendapudi, dean of the University of Kansas School of Business, and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Heinrich.
LAWRENCE — U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Heinrich traveled to Lawrence last week to be honored as a distinguished MBA alumnus of the University of Kansas School of Business. Dean Neeli Bendapudi presented him the award at a Feb. 10 recognition ceremony that included business school administration, supply chain management students and U.S. Navy officers.
Heinrich graduated from KU in 1989 with master’s degrees in business administration and petroleum management.
“I cannot think of someone more deserving than Rear Admiral Heinrich to be honored as a distinguished MBA alumnus,” Bendapudi said. “At the School of Business, we pride ourselves on our efforts to serve those who serve our country, and honoring him is a small token of gratitude for his military service. He is a fine example of the caliber of Jayhawks found all around the world.”
In his remarks at the awards ceremony, Heinrich said, “A nimble, agile supply chain is something you only learn when you come to a place like KU.”
The School of Business offers an interdisciplinary petroleum management MBA program for Naval Supply Corps officers – a graduate degree that prepares Navy officers for fuel depot management. The partnership between the U.S. Navy and KU’s business school spans nearly 40 years.
During his visit to campus, Heinrich met with faculty and administrators from the engineering and business schools, participated in a halftime interview at the men’s basketball game against Oklahoma State University and mentored Navy officers and supply chain management students.
Heinrich has served as commander of Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) and 46th chief of Supply Corps since July 2011. He previously served as commander of NAVSUP Global Logistics Support in San Diego.
He has been honored with two Defense Superior Service medals, two Legions of Merit and a Defense Meritorious Service medal, among other awards. Heinrich also holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
His sea tours include duties as assistant supply officer of USS Kinkaid and supply officer of USS Gridley and USS Constellation. Heinrich has also served as director of Logistics, Operations and Readiness for the Defense Logistics Agency and commander of the Defense Supply Center in Richmond, Va.
The school’s supply chain management program ranks No. 20 in the country, according to a leading supply chain management research and advisory company.