Student Partnerships with Industry

Industry Partnerships

Forging powerful industry partnerships to blend academic knowledge with practical, real-world experience

Embedded throughout the Walton College are industry partnerships that offer faculty and students unparalleled access to industry experts, executives, and cutting-edge technology.

By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we are preparing our students to become future leaders who can innovate, adapt, and thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Students learning from a guest speaker.
Former Walton College Dean, Matt Waller and J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. President, Shelley Simpson.

Industry Engagement Initiatives

Industry engagement initiatives are not just supplementary elements at the Walton College, but an integral part of the academic fabric to bring together theoretical knowledge and practical business applications.

From entrepreneurial startups to Fortune 500 companies, business leaders work with the college to strategically design initiatives and programming that encompasses a wide range of topics from business integrity to customer-centric leadership.

Industry engagement initiatives include guest speakers, mentorships, live events, and more to facilitate a dynamic learning platform.

This experiential approach to learning unites students, regardless of their majors, cultivating a rich, cross-disciplinary learning environment Learn more.


The Dean's Executive Advisory Board at Walton College.

Dean's Advisory Boards

The Dean’s Advisory Boards are esteemed advisory entities, composed of Walton College alumni and business leaders. These individuals leverage their vast range of backgrounds and unique insights to foster the college's advancement. 

  • The Dean's Executive Advisory Board is made up of distinguished business leaders who have earned national and international recognition. These titans of industry directly support the dean to strategically propel the Walton College forward. 
  • The Dean's Alumni Advisory Council consists of Walton College graduates from a variety of industries and experiences. This group offers a firsthand perspective into the world of business as a Walton graduate to further the advancement of the college and student experience. 
A member of the Walton College Dean's Alumni Advisory Council.

Walton Academic Advisory Boards

Academic advisory boards are composed of distinguished business leaders from around the world, they are a vital support system that works collaboratively with our departments and initiatives to advance the mission and vision of the Walton College. These boards provide invaluable first-hand knowledge into emerging trends and challenges facing the business world, offering guidance and support to educate and inspire the next generation of business leaders. 

A guest speaker from corporate speaks to a class of business students

Industry in the Classroom: Real-World Experience for Students

Our curriculum integrates theory and practice, allowing students to apply principles, concepts, and frameworks in actual business situations. Industry partners regularly sponsor projects that present students with current challenges, enabling them to develop solutions. This deep experiential learning gives our students a significant advantage in job readiness, equipping them with the skills to navigate the marketplace upon graduation. Along with technical knowledge gained through coursework, students are exposed to various software and industry tools, reducing the learning curve and making them more competitive in the job market.

Be Epic Podcast: Learning from Industry Leaders

Staying up-to-date with the current business landscape means drawing on the experience of leaders, innovators, and those revolutionizing the business world as we know it. The Be Epic podcast is an entertaining conversation that inspires listeners, while taking a close look at the latest business trends, opportunities, and solutions.

View More Podcast Episodes >