News from the Graduate School of Business
The Graduate School of Business prepares the business leaders of tomorrow. And we measure our impact by the successes of our students, alumni, and faculty. Browse the articles below.
Featured Stories
Full Circle: Manny Mejia
Eleven MBA students developed a mentorship service project at Springdale (Arkansas) High School. For one student, this project takes him back to his alma mater and leads him to reflect on the importance of volunteerism.
Student Startup Teams Take First Place at Arkansas Governor’s Cup
Nivera Solutions, a graduate student startup at the University of Arkansas including students from the Walton College and the College of Engineering , won the high growth/technology division Thursday at the 21st annual Governor’s Cup.
Epic Spotlight: Farid Noori
Graduate student Farid Noori’s journey to Walton College and Northwest Arkansas starts out with bread, mountains and a bike.
EPIC Spotlight: David Gomez
EMBA student and artist David Gomez chose Walton College because of its connections.
Three Assistant Deans Appointed for Walton College
Jeff Hood, Barbara Lofton and Mike Waldie have been promoted to be assistant deans in Walton College.
U of A Offers New Finance Graduate Degree in Fall 2020
The Walton College is offering a Master of Science degree in Finance starting in fall 2020, and applications are being accepted.
Three New Business Graduate Degrees Created to Meet Industry Demand
Walton College now offers three new graduate degrees: Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Applied Business Analytics and Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. Classes begin fall 2020.
Priority Application Deadline for Walton MBA Admissions and Scholarships is Feb. 15
Walton College is accepting applications for full-time, executive and healthcare executive MBA programs. The priority application deadline is February 15.
U of A Now Offering Economic Analytics Master’s Degree
Classes will begin in fall 2020 and applications are being accepted. To learn more or to apply, visit msecon.uark.edu.
The Strength of the Walton MBA (Part 1 – EMBA Program)
Recently the Wall Street Journal carried an article about the decline in applications to M.B.A. programs in the United States. While there were some nuances in the article that many readers missed (for instance the vast proportion of the decline in applications was the result of a reduction of foreign applicants), it is a fact that some M.B.A. programs have been struggling.
Movista Raises $12m to Further Leadership Position in Workforce Management Space
Movista Inc., the leader in cloud-based labor and workforce management software for retailers, manufacturers, and service providers, announced its $12 million Series A growth equity investment.
Accounting Ph.D. Alumnus Receives National Outstanding Educator Award
Jan R. Williams, dean and professor emeritus of the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee who earned a Ph.D. in 1970 from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, is one of two recipients of the 2018 Outstanding Accounting Educator Award from the American Accounting Association.
EPIC Spotlight: Gonca Soysal
Bargain shopping at outlet stores is more than just a pastime for Gonca Soysal. She finds the activity fascinating – one she believes could be a win-win for both the consumer and retailer.
Potential Transfer Students Learn About Programs, Resources, Curriculum
Forty potential transfer students from Northwest Arkansas Community College visited the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas to learn about programs, resources and curriculum in the college.
Medical Device Startup Team Wins Louisville Competition
Lapovations LLC, a University of Arkansas entrepreneurship team developing a platform of innovative products that improve minimally invasive surgery, won first place at the Brown-Forman Cardinal Challenge business plan competition in Louisville, Kentucky.
Gosain Establishes Technology Accelerator Internship
Hemant Gosain “Sunny,” chairman and chief executive officer of Omniquo Inc., has established an internship to support work on next-generation technology at the McMillon Innovation Studio.
Hobby Becomes New Assistant Director of M.B.A. Programs
Rachel Hobby is the new assistant director of M.B.A. programs in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.
EPIC Spotlight: Angela Darnell
Angela Darnell has always been in the business of helping people. For 14 years, she was the voice who assisted people dialing 411 for directory assistance. While at her job, she led her coworkers in a food drive to help Northwest Arkansas’ homeless population.
Walton Ph.D. Student Wins Fellowship to Study Rice, Information, Markets
Jessica Darby wrote her honors thesis on the relationship of rice markets and information while she was an undergraduate. Now, as a doctoral candidate in the Walton College, she’s studying ways that timely and accurate information flowing out of the supply chain can help rice farmers in Arkansas and around the world.
Walton College, UAMS Collaborate on Healthcare Management M.B.A.
The Walton College is collaborating with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health to offer a Healthcare Management track for its Executive Master in Business Administration program.
EPIC Spotlight: Bill Watt
Bill Watt wasn’t looking to earn another college degree. He simply needed to get some insight from Matt Waller and decided to give him a call.
Entrepreneurship Team Wins Georgia Bowl Competition
“Together, they have brought engineering, business and technology development, marketing, and logistics together to create a realistic and incredibly promising plan.”
Walton’s Career Center Preps Students for Career Readiness
This semester’s events will include Corporate Spotlight programs, as well as the new “Company of the Day” program.
Corporate Mentorship Program Allows Students to Interact with Industry
The corporate mentorship program offered through the M.B.A. program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business offers students the opportunity to interact with senior industry leaders and gain knowledge in a way they could not in a regular classroom setting.
Small Business and Technology Development Center Helps Alumna Start Student-Athletes Unite, LLC
The ASBTDC has assisted an alumna prepare student athletes for the rigors and expectations of college academics, athletics and student life.
U of A Sweeps Graduate Places at Governor’s Cup Competition
Walton College teams swept all three places Tuesday in the graduate division at the 2016 Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition held in Little Rock.
Walton MBA Team Competes in SEC MBA Case Competition
MBA students Haley Cleous, Phil Keil, Ash Ganapathiraju and Clinton Rhodes represented Walton College during the 4th SEC MBA Case Competition held April 7-9, 2016, at the University of Arkansas.
Walton College to Host 4th SEC MBA Case Competition
Walton College will host the 4th Southeastern Conference MBA Case Competition April 7-9, 2016, with 14 SEC universities participating.
Walton MBA Program Offers New Certification with Nielsen
The Nielsen Academy Certificate Program for Walton MBA students will focus on data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
Faculty: Best of the Best
Eight faculty members were recognized for their outstanding work by Walton College’s Business Awards and Elections Committee.
Cassandra Davis — Ph.D. Candidate — Marketing
Cassandra Davis, marketing Ph.D. candidate at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, is passionate about inspiring future generations of minority academics. Aligned with the Ph.D. project, a non-profit organization with the goal of increasing diversity in business leadership, Cassandra describes herself “as a person who is both African-American and a low-income, first-generation college student.” … Continue reading Cassandra Davis — Ph.D. Candidate — Marketing
THATO MASIRE – MBA CLASS OF 2015
“I have learned to look at problems and opportunities holistically, using a range of analytical frameworks and tools. The Walton MBA has provided me with a sophisticated lens to look at and makes sense of business issues.” Thato was born in Gaborone, Botswana; however, he attended a boarding school in South Africa for five years. … Continue reading THATO MASIRE – MBA CLASS OF 2015
TAI CRATER – EMBA CLASS OF 2015
Tai Crater decided to knock on the Sam M. Walton College of Business door again after she earned her bachelor’s degree in Finance 12 years ago. This time, she wanted to earn her Executive MBA degree. Realizing that the program was convenient to her work demands and current lifestyle, with both online and once-a-month attendance … Continue reading TAI CRATER – EMBA CLASS OF 2015
Tiffany Jarrett: Executive MBA Class of 2017
The pursuit of higher education is a value Tiffany Jarrett learned from her father. She remembers watching her father work toward his master’s degree when she was a teenager. She hopes her decision to pursue a graduate degree at this point in her life, with a demanding full-time job and four young children at home, … Continue reading Tiffany Jarrett: Executive MBA Class of 2017
BRITTANY SIMMONS – EMBA CLASS OF 2016
“When I was younger, I dreamed of being CEO of a large corporation. Now that I am currently in my career, I cannot specifically pinpoint a “dream job” but what I do know is that my dream job is one that will fulfill me, excite me, push me, and allow me to make a large … Continue reading BRITTANY SIMMONS – EMBA CLASS OF 2016
LAUREN WALDRIP – MBA CLASS OF 2015
Raised in Moro, a small rural community in east Arkansas, Lauren Waldrip learned much from that front-porch culture. She was introduced to a strong work ethic as a kid. From driving a tractor to laying polypipe, she was a great help to her dad’s business. Fifth generation of an Arkansas farm family, Lauren was surrounded … Continue reading LAUREN WALDRIP – MBA CLASS OF 2015
DREW BOZARTH – EMBA CLASS OF 2015
Since he spent the first nine years of his life moving from Army base to Army base, it can be said that Drew Bozarth was predisposed to entering military service just like the last three generations of Bozarth men had. However, Drew could not have been prepared for the honor and pride associated with being … Continue reading DREW BOZARTH – EMBA CLASS OF 2015
BROOKE ATWELL – CLASS OF 2016
“Growing up near campus, I initially thought I needed to leave Northwest Arkansas to grow both academically and personally. However, as I learned more about the unique community and opportunities available in the Walton College, I realized that the University of Arkansas and the Walton College would give me every growth opportunity I was looking … Continue reading BROOKE ATWELL – CLASS OF 2016
NIEN SU – EMBA CLASS OF 2017
“My dream job is to be a country or regional president of a multinational corporation.” The Walton Executive MBA (EMBA) program is an important step along Nien Su’s path toward this goal. Nien grew up in Taiwan and Southern California. He and his family moved to Rowland Heights, California when he was 5 years old. He … Continue reading NIEN SU – EMBA CLASS OF 2017
EMILY HARBUCK – EMBA CLASS OF 2017
At this stage in her career, the perfect fit came in the form of the Walton Executive MBA program. The EMBA program is a two-year curriculum where working professionals attend classes in-person one Saturday a month.
Stephanie Esau: EMBA Class of 2012
It was a 650-mile commute from Chicago. But once a month, Stephanie Esau hopped on a plane to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, then continued on to the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Once there, she attended two Saturday classes as she worked toward her master’s degree. Then there was life in the Windy … Continue reading Stephanie Esau: EMBA Class of 2012
Andrew Miles: EMBA Class of 2017
Andrew Miles enjoys exploring new ideas and experiences. From wanting to pursue novel business opportunities, to joining the Army reserves, to envisioning a future that includes extensive travel, he is always up for a challenge. When he is not working at his full-time job or doing coursework, he trains for his hobby, adventure racing. These … Continue reading Andrew Miles: EMBA Class of 2017
MITCH HEISSERER – CLASS OF 2015
One place you might find Mitch Heisserer is snowboarding in the Colorado mountains. He is adventurous and always up for a challenge, including the pursuit of a graduate degree. “You have to find a program that will work for you.” Mitch researched many different options before finding the program that was right for him. Mitch … Continue reading MITCH HEISSERER – CLASS OF 2015
JAEL FIELDS – EMBA CLASS OF 2015
Jael loves the quote, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet”-Aristotle Jael, the youngest of eight siblings, knows what he wants and is motivated by his faith and family to achieve his goals regardless of any hurdles. “Having a supportive family and the desire to want to enhance my skillset and … Continue reading JAEL FIELDS – EMBA CLASS OF 2015
2015 Ph.D. Grad Is Assistant Professor at Mihaylo College of Business and Economics
Amr Adel Soror, who earned a Ph.D. at the Walton College in 2015, is settling in as an assistant professor in information systems and decision sciences at California State University, Fullerton, and its Mihaylo College of Business and Economics.
President of Saatchi & Saatchi X to Speak on Lessons Learned in Business
The Sam M. Walton College of Business invites university students, staff and faculty to hear Jessica Hendrix, president of Saatchi & Saatchi X, discuss lessons learned in business on Friday, Nov. 13, 10-11:30 a.m., in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Enterprise Development auditorium.
Anand Named Executive Director Of Strategic Planning And Innovation
Interim Dean Matt Waller has named Vikas Anand to take on a short-term role working with the dean’s office as executive director of strategic planning and innovation.
Walton MBA and Henkel Partner on Sustainability Course Project
The M.B.A. program has partnered with Henkel, the company behind well-known brands such as Dial soap, Purex laundry detergent and Loctite adhesive, to offer experiential learning opportunities for students.
Walton MBA Students Compete at SEC Case Competition
The Walton College team was made up of three second-year M.B.A. students, Kenny Bierman, Qinghai Sun and Kristen Raney, and one first-year M.B.A. student, Jenny Glover.
CycleWood Solutions Signs Agreement to Produce ‘Green’ Bags for Pet Waste
A technology company that developed its award-winning business concept in the New Venture Development class taught by management professor Carol Reeves has signed an exclusive agreement to produce a line of eco-friendly waste pickup bags for pet owners.
EPIC Spotlight: Marcus Monk
Those who remember Marcus Monk during his undergrad years at the University of Arkansas probably think of his time as an Arkansas Razorback wide receiver. When Marcus graduated from the Sam M. Walton College of Business in 2008 with a degree in marketing, he went on to play in the NFL and then to play basketball in Germany for two years. In January 2013, Marcus returned to the University of Arkansas to be a student again, this time in the Walton MBA program.
