The Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business Incubator (SCICBI) at Governors State University is one of 15 Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) hubs, a state-wide network led by the University of Illinois system. It provides resources and opportunities to students, faculty, employees of supply chain businesses, or anyone who wishes to create their own startup company in the supply chain and related sectors. With the establishment of this network, SCICBI strives to promote innovation and create economic growth for communities in its service region.
The mission of Governors State University’s Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business Incubator (SCICBI) is to promote innovation and contribute to the economic and workforce development of the Chicago Metropolitan Region, through consulting, training, and other professional services to businesses and startups in supply chain/logistics and related sectors.
The following services will be provided to SCICBI clients and members:
- Faculty consulting for technology and business solutions
- Employee training and management development programs
- Various professional certificate training programs in supply chain management
- Collaborative spaces for entrepreneurs to develop their innovative ideas with the support of mentors and consultants through GovState’s network
Advancing Smart Logistics project led by GovState, IIN receives $1 million NSF Engines Development Award
SCICBI receives EDA Build to Scale Program Grant
Contact Information
Dr. Tricia Kerns, MBA, LSSBB, CLTD, SCPro
Associate Director, SCICBI
University Lecturer, Associate Director
Phone: 708.534.4999
Email: tkerns@govst.edu
Office Location: C3319
Dr. Tricia Kerns earned her Ed.D degree from Olivet Nazarene University with a concentration in Ethical Leadership. She has extensive management experience in various industries in operations, manufacturing, material management, distribution, warehousing, and transportation along with 20+ years in the Operations/Supply Chain Management field. Her research study explored Midwest small- and medium-sized manufacturing and their ability to compete in the global economy. Dr. Kerns earned her MBA from Governors State University with a specialization in Leadership and a BA from Governors State University with a concentration in Operations Management. She also holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Purdue University and is APICS – CPIM certified (The Operations Management Association) and APICS - CLTD certified and is also an APICS CPIM & CLTD Certified Trainer. Dr. Kerns also earned an SCPro certification from CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) and mentors students today who elect to take this exam.
Dr. Kerns is an active member of the International Testing Committee at APICS Corporate located in Chicago. Her active term is 2017-2019 as she explores current industry material to develop and analyze examination material for the international testing that APICS utilizes globally. Dr. Kerns joined the GSU’s College of Business in August 2014 as a University Lecturer. She teaches Operations Management, Quality Management, Project management, Lean Six Sigma, as well as Business Ethics at both undergraduate and graduate levels as well as Leadership at the graduate level. Dr. Kerns is the lead advisor for our GovState Supply Chain Student Club and provides consulting opportunities for GovState Continuing Education as well as the College of Business. She continues to work with various business leaders and professional Supply Chain organizations that provide students with real-life opportunities to help them advance in their career goals.
Dr. Olu Ijose
Associate Provost and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
Phone: 708.534.4932
Email: oijose@govst.edu
"I am Associate Provost and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for Governors State University. I received my Ph.D. in Labor and Human Resources with concentrations in Industrial Relations, Labor Economics, and Human Resource Planning from Ohio State University in 1989. I joined Governors State University in 2010.
My research interests have evolved, influenced by my corporate experience, and over the last 7 years have been focused on global value chains, knowledge transfer, and economic growth. My research has been published in journals such as Competitiveness Review, Academy of Business Research Journal of Scholastic Inquiry: Business, and Journal of Developing Areas.
Greatly shaped by a need to transfer my corporate experience in companies such as Accenture and Shell to the classroom, I currently teach strategic management and international business. I am a member of the Academy of International Business, Industry Studies Association, and Africa Research Group at Nottingham University, UK, and have served as a reviewer for several journals and conferences in my field.
I was the inaugural director of the College of Business’s Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business Incubator and have received grants including $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Army, $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Education and $95,000 from Butler County, PA (Self Employment Assistance Program). As a GovState employee, I have received a grant of $579,000 from the U.S. Economic Development Association, in conjunction with Dean Jun Zhao, $50,000 from the South Suburban Economic Growth Initiative, and $90,000
(to date) from the Center for International Business Education and Research at Kelley School of Business, Indiana University."
Gloria Fuller
SCICBI Business Liaison
Phone: 708-534-4930
Email:gfuller@govst.edu
Office Location: G265
Gloria Fuller is a dedicated and highly organized administrative professional with a proven track record of managing operations, supporting executives, and improving administrative efficiency across higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations.
She currently serves as Office Manager in the College of Business at Governors State University, where she oversees daily operations for the Dean”s Office and the Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business Incubator (SCICBI). In this role, she coordinates meetings and events, manages communications and purchasing, and fosters partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.
Prior to joining Governors State University, Gloria served as Front Office Manager at Oak Lawn Respiratory & Rehabilitation Center and Office Coordinator for the Chicago Association for Retarded Citizens (CARC), where she supervised staff, managed payroll and vendor relations, and led key administrative initiatives.
Known for her reliability, resourcefulness, and professionalism, Gloria takes pride in creating organized, service-focused office environments that support both staff and leadership success.