The first Boyer Fellowship was awarded in 2000, with a total of 15 students supported
thus far by the program. This article looks back at some of those who have received
the fellowship in its 20+ year history and its continuing impact and legacy.
Murphy, an inaugural inductee into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame when it opened
in 1999, built Murphy Oil into one of the world’s most successful and respected companies,
but he also left a legacy that spoke to his deep devotion to lifelong learning.
Jack Stephens’ accomplishments in business were just one part of a legacy that made
him an obvious choice in the first class for the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame.
Dillard had a healthy ambition and a vision for the future of retailing. So, unlike
previous generations that thrived in mostly rural settings, he branched out until
he had created one of the most successful family-run department store chains in America.
“His philosophy was: ‘The keys to success are simple – have sound moral values, seek
to make a difference, seek to work harder than anyone else in the organization, value
the advice of others and bury your ego,’” Pincus says. “He lived that philosophy.
Sam M. Walton, a.k.a. Mr. Sam, earned a place among America’s top business titans,
ranking right up there with John D. Rockefeller, Henry Ford, Warren Buffett, Steve
Jobs and Bill Gates.
A quick review of the 20th Century’s first few decades reveals nothing spectacular
in the timeline of Arkansas’ business history unless you drill down into one category
of events: births. Then it becomes clear that this period marked the beginning of
a sea change for the state’s business landscape.
The Walton Magazine is celebrating the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame with a series
of posts that will highlight several moments from previous Hall of Fame events beginning
with the inaugural class of 1999.
The Sam M. Walton College of Business established the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame
to recognize Arkansans - by birth or by choice - who have been successful business
leaders. The Arkansas Business Hall of Fame is designed to honor, preserve and perpetuate
the names and outstanding accomplishments of business leaders who have brought lasting
fame to Arkansas.