Vivian Reese Hill has been named assistant director for the Master of Science in Finance program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas, effective Dec. 5, 2023.
“We are thrilled to have Vivian to spread the word about our exciting program, and we have already seen her make a huge difference in our recruiting and retention efforts,” said Cash Acrey, assistant professor of finance and director of the MS Finance program. “The Walton MSF program, as the premiere source of financial education in Arkansas, provides students with an intense and impactful deep dive into leading edge, innovative topics. Our students are incredibly competitive on the job market because we have tailored our curriculum to meet modern demands of the finance profession, placing heavy emphasis on financial data analytics, fintech and the technologies transforming the industry, and venture capital and the financing of innovation.
Hill comes to the finance department with a wealth of knowledge about Walton College and the university. Previously, she worked in Walton College’s Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Venture Innovation Department, Office of Applied Sustainability Center, Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality and the Department of Finance, providing administrative support.
In these roles, she was responsible for departmental event administration, office management, marketing and communication coordination, accounts receivable and more.
“Our Master of Science in Finance program exists to support students in transforming their lives through education,” Hill said. “It’s exciting to be a part of enhancing students’ futures! The Walton MSF degree program can give students a competitive advantage in the workplace, as well as stimulate their intellectual curiosity. That curiosity moves the world forward.”
Hill, a first-generation college graduate, earned a bachelor’s degree in art and performance from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. She is originally from Hope, Ark., and is an avid hiker.
The finance graduate degree is a one-year, full-time program that provides students with data analytics and advanced concepts in financial markets and venture innovations. The lucrative degree assists students in advancing their careers in financial management and analytics, securities/commodities, budget analytics and more. Priority applications for the fall semester are due by April 15.
About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.
Since 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!!)
