The Walton MBA Alumni Advisory Board is crucial to the success of the M.B.A. programs. Alumni provide valuable insight and leadership, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant during times of change in industry. Meet our three newest alumni board members and hear what they believe they each bring to the program.
The Walton MBA Alumni Advisory Board is a curated group of M.B.A.s and E.M.B.A. alumni who meet biannually to discuss the progress and goals of the program. The board considers how to ensure the curriculum remains relevant with the changing needs of the business world. Board members come from industry backgrounds ranging from retail to tech to medical to finance to construction and more. Members can speak to what their industry demands from future hires and inform faculty of emerging trends students will need to be equipped to handle. The alumni board’s input ensures that students will be prepared to excel in their chosen field once they graduate.
Three new members have joined the board in 2020. These new members bring new ideas and suggestions that will shape the future of the program. Meet the three newest members below.
Andrea Albright
Andrea Albright is a 2017 E.M.B.A. graduate who works as senior vice president of Snacks, Beverages and Impulse at Walmart. Andrea is an involved alumna who brings a unique outlook on how to solve problems with her background in human resources and leading a profit loss function. Andrea pointed out the benefits of remaining involved in the program after graduation:
“I think there is shared value for the students, the program and for me as well.. I learn a lot from my conversations with faculty and students. So, for me, it’s as much about gaining knowledge from the students and the faculty as it is sharing my experiences.”
Matt Bumgarner
Matt is a 2017 E.M.B.A. graduate who now works as the senior manager of Human Resources, Distribution at Tyson Foods. Matt also currently serves in the Army National Guard as an infantry first sergeant. With his experience in the military, corporate environment and his time as a student in the program, Matt offers a distinct perspective to the Alumni Advisory Board. Matt understands the crucial role that alumni play in the development of the program and the students:
“The professional landscape is a rapidly changing environment and alumni are right in the middle of it all. The feedback and guidance that alumni can provide is invaluable to keeping the program relevant. Networking [with alumni] is also key for this program as it provides students the opportunity to learn about companies and roles that potentially interest them.”
Joanne Tam
Joanne is a 2014 M.B.A. graduate who works as associate client director at Nielsen. Joanne is passionate about lifelong learning and the University of Arkansas. Joanne brings optimism and a fresh perspective on how the college can utilize alumni to best serve students.
“Service has always been incredibly important to me and when I graduated from the Walton College with my M.B.A., I knew that I wanted to give back. I was passionate and energized by helping an institution that paves the way for higher education and so deeply cares for its students. I started volunteering immediately after graduation because I loved the university. It provided a wealth of opportunities for me to grow and learn and I wanted to repay that even though I knew that what I could contribute would never suffice.”
