Synetra Hughes hit the ground running in August 2024 as Walton College's director of Arkansas engagement and hasn’t looked back. With a focus on fostering connections and opportunities for first-generation and under-served students to higher education, she has embarked on a mission to engage five key communities in Arkansas—Batesville, El Dorado, Fort Smith, Little Rock, and Jonesboro—during her first year.
Hughes’ role goes beyond traditional outreach. As director of Arkansas engagement, she serves as a strategic bridge between Walton College and these key communities. Hughes proactively connects with a wide range of people, from parents, students, and alumni to school administrators, business owners, and community leaders, to more deeply understand and address the unique educational challenges across the state. Her focus is on creating meaningful pathways to educational access and resources that genuinely support Arkansas' varied student populations, whether at four-year universities or trade schools.
A Listening Tour
Hughes hails from West Memphis, Arkansas, earning a dual bachelor's degree in information systems and transportation/logistics from the University of Arkansas and an MBA in human resource management from Webster University. She returned to her alma mater for an EdD in workforce development. Her expertise in diversity and inclusion, human resources, leadership development, and fundraising has proven valuable in this new career chapter.
Hughes has approached her state-wide tours with a “listening first” philosophy. Over the last few months, she has traveled extensively, building trust and gaining insight into the challenges college students and their families face. One of the key takeaways from her discussions is the need to make college information relatable and digestible for families unfamiliar with higher education, Fayetteville, and the wider Northwest Arkansas area.
“Many families find the language and processes intimidating, especially when Fayetteville feels so far away from home,” Hughes explains. “We need to meet them where they are, both geographically and in terms of understanding, so they feel confident sending their students to the Walton College.”
Championing Scholarships, Changing Lives
Hughes’ efforts extend beyond conversations. She’s actively working to promote scholarships, like the Land of Opportunity Scholarship, to families and local businesses, highlighting how they can support students in achieving their academic dreams. Her collaboration with programs like the El Dorado Promise, a community initiative through Murphy Oil Corporation that funds college tuition for local students, has further strengthened ties between Walton College and Arkansas communities.
Hughes’ passion for her role is evident. “This work is personal,” she shared. “It’s about making a lasting impact not just on students but on their families, communities, and future generations.”
From Promise to Progress
Hughes views her first year as just the beginning. Her goal is to expand the college’s reach and relevance across the state by fostering relationships that benefit both Walton and the people it serves. Whether it’s attending El Dorado’s Promise Week, as she did in January of 2025 to celebrate local students, or shaping partnerships with businesses, Hughes is clearly designing a more connected future for the Walton College and Arkansas.
Her dedication is driven by a simple yet profound belief: “Education is transformative, and we have a responsibility to make it accessible and meaningful for everyone.” Through Hughes’ leadership, Walton College is not just providing resources—it’s breaking barriers to higher education for a more hopeful future and lasting change.
Meghan Perry is the marketing and communications specialist for the Sam M. Walton
College of Business. She facilitates press releases, digital content and dean communications
to promote the work of the students, faculty and staff (always with a cup of coffee
or two in hand). 
