Retail never slows down. The Sam M. Walton College of Business knows this, which is why we've established the Retail Advisory Board. This group of 20-plus industry leaders has committed to helping prepare the next generation of retail professionals through direct collaboration and mentorship.
Dr. Anne Marie Velliquette, teaching associate professor of marketing and retail program director, puts it simply: "We want to give students the best possible experience, both in class and outside of it. Everything we do brings the real world into their education."
And they're delivering on that promise. Companies like Walmart, General Mills, and Hormel work directly with students on real business challenges they'll face in their careers. The collaboration process is strategic: faculty members identify specific learning objectives, then connect with board members whose expertise aligns with those goals, creating meaningful partnerships between professors and industry professionals.
The results speak for themselves. When students recently used artificial intelligence to create campaign mockups in Velliquette's class, industry partners were genuinely impressed with the quality and strategic thinking they witnessed. This kind of hands-on learning keeps the Walton College ahead of the curve.
What sets this board apart is its sustained engagement. Members don't just show up for occasional lectures—they meet twice a year (with plans to add a summer session) and get involved in everything from the National Retail Federation's student conference to the new Razorback Retail Consortium Student Group.
The mentorship component adds another valuable dimension. Board members bring in their younger colleagues, especially recent graduates, to mentor current students. "This way, students feel more comfortable asking the tough questions," Velliquette explains. "And it builds a network that lasts long after graduation."
To expand these connections, the college is planning a Retail Immersion Day for fall 2025. Rather than a traditional job fair, this educational deep dive will show students the diverse career paths available in retail, featuring board members and their teams in interactive sessions.
Retail technology evolves rapidly, especially with artificial intelligence transforming the industry. The board ensures the curriculum keeps pace with these changes. Dr. Judith Anne Garretson Folse, Walmart Chair in Marketing and Associate Dean for Curriculum Innovation and Teaching Effectiveness, says they’re seeing firsthand how firms are using AI ethically and efficiently. "Companies expect students to know their way around AI," she explains. "Recognizing this shift, we're supporting faculty with the resources and support they need to thoughtfully incorporate AI into their courses."
Students don't just learn to use AI tools—they develop strategic thinking about when and how to apply them effectively. This approach produces work that impresses industry partners and demonstrates the kind of critical thinking employers value.
How do they measure success? For Velliquette and Folse, it comes down to sustained engagement. "Our board members are senior leaders with packed schedules," Velliquette points out. "When they show up consistently and actively participate, that tells us we're providing real value."
The measurable outcomes reinforce this engagement: board members regularly bring colleagues to events, dive deep into class projects, and ultimately hire Walton College students for internships and full-time positions. These concrete results demonstrate the board's commitment extends beyond advisory meetings to actual investment in student success.
As retail continues evolving, this industry-academia partnership becomes increasingly valuable. The board's commitment to providing students with comprehensive experiences—through rotations, internships, and direct industry exposure—ensures Walton College graduates enter the workforce with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
"The board keeps our programs relevant and connected," Velliquette reflects. "When industry leaders this experienced invest their time in our students, it transforms the educational experience. Our graduates don't just have degrees—they have the strategic thinking, industry connections, and hands-on experience that tomorrow's retail landscape demands."
In a world where gaps often exist between academic learning and industry needs, the Retail Advisory Board demonstrates what's possible when education and business truly collaborate. The result: graduates who are ready to lead in an industry that never stops changing. ¬