Supply Chain Management
Biography
My name is Ashlyn Plank, and I am a supply chain management major with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Mathematics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I am part of the 2028 cohort of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program. Originally from Boerne, TX—a small town outside of San Antonio—moving 17 hours away for college has taught me invaluable lessons about independence and self-reliance.
As the middle child of three sisters, I have always been naturally independent and curious. My mom likes to say she was never worried when I wandered off as a kid because I always found my way back. That sense of independence has only grown since coming to college, but it is deeply rooted in the values my family instilled in me. From a young age, my parents encouraged us to participate in sports, which taught me how to work as part of a team and take on challenging tasks—even those that go unnoticed—for the good of the group. At 15, I started working to help pay for my car, which reinforced the importance of responsibility, financial independence, and maintaining a strong work ethic. My parents also taught me that kindness goes beyond gestures—it’s about being present, listening, and showing genuine empathy by recognizing that everyone has their own story. These values have shaped how I approach education, work, and relationships. I strive to be a team player, a hard worker, and someone who genuinely supports others.
I joined Heath IBEP because I have always loved math and problem-solving. Initially torn between business and engineering, I chose supply chain management for its analytical focus but saw Heath IBEP as the perfect opportunity to explore engineering while collaborating with students from other disciplines. The program’s emphasis on real-world projects, mentorship, and hands-on learning aligns perfectly with my goal of growing academically and professionally through meaningful collaboration.
Over the next few years, I hope to gain internship experience in industries such as transportation, manufacturing, or energy. I am particularly interested in exploring the full scope of supply chains—both upstream and downstream—and pursuing roles like scheduling or logistics coordination. As I continue to learn and grow, I look forward to building a career that combines critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership.
