University of Arkansas

Walton College

The Sam M. Walton College of Business

Burkett Named Director of Student Success at Walton College

Jessica Burkett
February 06, 2023  |  By Lori McLemore

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Effective December 2022, Jessica Burkett has been promoted to the director of the Office of Student Success for the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Previously, she served as the assistant director.

"Student development has been one of my top values working in higher education. I feel so incredibly honored to not only play a part of enhancing student success in co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities, but to see the continued growth and development in our students," Burkett said. "I look forward to the continued partnerships with faculty, staff and the NWA community to progress the student success initiatives."

In her new role, Burkett will oversee management of the SAM program (career readiness and badging), Leadership Walton, scholarships, sales and stock pitch competitions, the Fleischer Scholars summer program and commencement for Walton College.  

"Jessica has quickly jumped in to manage all Student Success initiatives," said Karen Boston, senior assistant dean of Student Success and chief student officer. "We are fortunate to retain her experience and talent in Walton!"

Throughout Burkett's career, she has focused on higher education. She has held administrative positions at the Metropolitan State University of Denver (Colorado) as an events coordinator and Hendrix College (Arkansas) as a senior area coordinator. She earned a master's degree in higher education administration from Louisiana State University and a bachelor's degree in communication and public relations from the University of Central Arkansas.

Lori McLemoreSince 2013, Lori McLemore has served as the marketing and communications officer for the Sam M. Walton College of Business. In this role, she writes press releases and features articles to promote the work of students, faculty and staff. 

Prior to working at Walton College, she worked as the director of web strategy and operations for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the national headquarters for 3,500 Boys & Girls Clubs. She was part of the core team to establish an intranet site for Clubs around the globe and the public internet site for the national nonprofit located in Atlanta.

Lori holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Auburn University ... and loves BOTH the Arkansas Razorbacks (Woo Pig!!) and the Auburn Tigers (War Eagle!!)

Walton College

Walton College of Business

Since its founding at the University of Arkansas in 1926, the Sam M. Walton College of Business has grown to become the state's premier college of business – as well as a nationally competitive business school. Learn more...

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