Over her 22-year career, Walton College alum and General Mills Sales Vice President Ebony Wyatt has exemplified the power of education, mentorship, and giving back. Her journey from intern to corporate executive showcases how a strong educational foundations and ongoing alumni engagement can serve as lasting inspiration for both students and institutions.
"I started with General Mills as an intern when I was a junior at Walton College. That internship was my way in, and I discovered these types of jobs," Wyatt explains. That early opportunity shaped her entire career trajectory, blossoming into a two-decade-plus career that included eight relocations and a pathway of professional growth.
What has kept her committed to one company for so long? "The opportunity to grow, evolve, and learn new things, plus the company's commitment to my development," she says. "The people I work with, the level of talent and care, and the company's values—the sense of belonging, showing up for the communities we serve, our people, and the planet—have all kept me here."
Wyatt credits her Walton College education with preparing her for success from day one at General Mills. "The curriculum at Walton College prepared me for my first job. I knew how to use analytical tools and analyze a business. It was a well-rounded foundation, and I started my career with a strong understanding of business."
Beyond academics, leadership opportunities at the Walton College—including roles as a student ambassador and president of Delta Sigma Theta—helped her develop crucial soft skills. "These experiences helped me get comfortable speaking in front of people and leading a group of peers," she notes.
Mentorship played a crucial role in her development. Now retired, former Walton College faculty member Dr. Barbara Lofton stands out as particularly influential in Wyatt's journey as a first-generation college student. "She supported me academically, financially, and with opportunities like attending the National Association of Black Accountants Conference. She was one of the first people to connect me with alumni mentors."
For more than 15 years—including more than five as chairperson—Wyatt served on the Dean's Alumni Advisory Council, maintaining a strong connection to her alma mater while helping shape its future. She now sits on the Arkansas Alumni Association's National Board of Directors.
"Saying yes to the board was an opportunity for my own growth—learning how to influence across different audiences and helping prepare students for the business world," she explains. As board chair, she discovered that her "voice [has been] valuable and helpful to the college, especially through leadership changes."
Her service-mindset reflects a belief in the critical connection between business and academia. "There has to be a connection. Things are changing quickly, and we want students to be prepared for employers, while employers need a feedback loop," Wyatt observes. "If academia isn't meeting the needs of business, what are we doing?"
A longtime advocate for student success, Wyatt continued to return to campus for years with General Mills' recruiting team, engaging undergraduates through workshops, info sessions, and interview panels.
Her popular personal branding workshop originated from a student workshop she was invited to give at the University of Arkansas. "I thought about what students needed to know and how to name it so people would attend," she recalls. The workshop resonated so strongly with students that it has since evolved into a program she teaches to various organizations and groups.
Perhaps Wyatt's most personal contribution to the Walton College came a few years ago when she endowed the Julia E. Oliver Power and Purpose Scholarship with a $25,000 gift. A namesake of her grandmother, the scholarship represents both her commitment to supporting future business leaders and her desire to pay homage to a key figure in her life.
"Through board leadership, I learned the impact of alumni giving, and this was a way to give back to students and honor my grandmother," Wyatt shares. The scholarship stands as a testament to her belief in the power of education and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation.
Drawing from her journey from student to executive, Wyatt emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, reflecting on her own challenges with impostor syndrome. "Most of my challenges have been internal—mainly building confidence and overcoming impostor syndrome. Once I realized I belonged and had value to add, I became unstoppable."
Her message to students and young professionals is clear: "When I speak to interns, I remind them: We chose you because we saw something in you. Even if you're the most junior person at the table, you bring a unique set of skills and a fresh perspective. You have to believe you have value."
By bridging the worlds of campus and career, Wyatt shows the Walton College's lasting impact in action. Her journey isn't just inspiring to students—it's living proof that what begins in a classroom ripples outward, creating meaningful change that extends far beyond graduation day.¬