Meet a Shocker: Avinash Pabbisetti

Avinash Pabbisetti chose Wichita State for its holistic approach to his program in supply chain management. "I was impressed by how the program not only focuses on the technical aspects of supply chain management but also emphasizes leadership, decision-making and strategic thinking skills essential for building a strong career."  

Avinash is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2025 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.


Major

Master's in management science and supply chain management

Hometown

Kambhampadu, Andhra Pradesh, India

High school

Vidyalaya High School

When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a little kid, I always dreamed of becoming a CEO of a company. I was fascinated by the idea of leading people, making big decisions and creating something meaningful that could make a difference in the world.

What made you choose Wichita State University? 

I chose Wichita State University primarily because of its unique course curriculum, which perfectly blends management and supply chain. I was impressed by how the program not only focuses on the technical aspects of supply chain management but also emphasizes leadership, decision-making and strategic thinking skills essential for building a strong career.

Did you earn any scholarships?

Yes, I received the Office of Financial Aid Institutional Award during my first semester in spring 2024. This scholarship was a great help, especially during a financially challenging time. It helped me cover a portion of my tuition and fees and reduced some of the financial stress and allowed me to stay focused on my studies and academic goals. I’m truly grateful for the support, as it gave me the motivation to continue working hard and make the most of my experience at Wichita State University.
 
What applied learning experiences did you participate in during your time here? 

During my time at Wichita State University, I have participated in applied learning experiences that strengthened my practical understanding of supply chain management. As a graduate research assistant, I worked on supply chain concepts, which allowed me to apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges.

In addition, I worked as a production control and logistics intern at Textron Aviation during summer 2025, and I gained hands-on experience in inventory management, SAP systems, process improvement and logistics coordination. This internship provided valuable insights into how large-scale manufacturing operations manage materials and streamline workflows efficiently.

These experiences have helped me develop strong analytical, technical and leadership skills that I’m confident will support my future career in supply chain management.

What advice would you give other Wichita State students?

My advice to other Wichita State students would be to make the most of every opportunity the university offers. Get involved in projects, internships and student organizations that align with your goals. These experiences strengthen your skills and help you discover your true interests.

What's next for this grad?

After graduation, I plan to start my career in the supply chain field. I’m passionate about exploring roles that involve operations, logistics and inventory management within manufacturing or retail industries. My goal is to gain strong practical experience and develop a deeper understanding of how supply chains function globally. In the long run, I aim to grow into leadership roles where I can contribute to improving efficiency, sustainability and innovation within supply chain operations.


About Wichita State University

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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