by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)
The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas has played an important role in Brent Williams’ life.
He was a graduate student there many years ago. Since 2011, he’s been a faculty member and administrator.
And on Feb. 1, after six months of filling the job on an interim basis, Williams assumed the role of Walton College dean full time. He replaced Matt Waller, who is returning to the classroom to teach supply chain management. Waller held the dean’s position since 2015.
Historically, Williams’ appointment is significant. He is the 11th full-time dean of the UA business school since 1926, but he is the first native Arkansan to have the job since it was renamed in 1998. And perhaps ever.
Photo credit: Michael Barera