Two out of Three Alumni Faculty Awards go to Walton College Faculty

This Friday, October 30, the Arkansas Alumni Association holds its 65th annual Alumni Awards Celebration at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. Two of the three Faculty Distinguished Achievement Awards will go to Walton College faculty members: Associate Professor Dub Ashton and Professor Amy Farmer. The association event recognizes all of whom personify the University of Arkansas’ tradition of excellence through service and leadership. Also among the 11 honorees is Governor Mike Beebe.

Dub Ashton holds a PhD in marketing from the University of Georgia. He teaches consumer behavior, market research and market strategy. Encouraged by the late Sam Walton, Ashton joined the University of Arkansas faculty in 1981. He has also served the college as associate dean of graduate studies and associate dean from 1994 to 1999 when he was assigned responsibility for the design, construction and use of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Enterprise Development. In 2000, he returned to teaching full-time. His research interests include brand imitation and consumer confusion and Generation Y’s brand choice. Ashton is a past vice-president of the Academy of Marketing Science. He served as editor of the Journal of Midwest Marketing from 1992 until 1996. He is a recipient of the Walton College Outstanding Teaching Award and Outstanding Service Award.

Amy Farmer holds a PhD in economics from Duke University. She spearheaded the University of Arkansas Global Community Development Program, which takes students to Belize. The project exposes students to different cultural and social environments and involves teams of students from the Fulbright, Bumpers, Engineering and Walton colleges. Farmer also has developed two new courses during the past three years: a doctoral-level public policy course and economics of life. She is also the holder of the Margaret Gerig and R.S. Martin Jr. Chair. Farmer's research is in the areas of law and economics and the economics of the family. Her recent publications have used game-theoretic analyses to study the role that asymmetric information might play in generating impasses to settlement in a bargaining situation. In addition, her work applies these theories of bargaining to the family in order to study issues such as domestic violence, divorce and child custody. She has published articles in the Economic Journal, Journal of Legal Studies, Public Choice, Journal of Development Economics, Economic Inquiry, and International Review of Law and Economics.

The Walton College is proud to have two faculty members represented at the 65th Annual Arkansas Alumni Association Awards. Congratulations to both and to all recipients!

Walton College M.B.A. Program Selected in Global 100 List

The Walton College Graduate School of Business is celebrating the recent international ranking of the MBA program by the Aspen Institute Center for Business Education in its 2009-2010 Beyond Grey Pinstripes/Global 100 List.

The Walton College MBA was ranked 28th among public universities and 91st on the list of 149 of both public and private schools. The institute compiled the list “over the past eighteen months ... from 149 M.B.A. programs in 24 countries about the depth and scope of integration of social, environmental and ethical issues in business school education.”

Beyond Pinstripes is a biennial survey and alternative ranking of business schools conducted by the institute, which undertook an effort to map the landscape of teaching and research issues pertaining to business and society. In addition, the Walton College MBA ranked in the following categories among the 149 public and private schools:

· Relevant courses — 106th
· Student exposure — 95th
· For-profit impact — 71st
· Faculty research — 49th

Marion Dunagan, assistant dean for graduate programs in the Walton College Graduate School of Business, said, “We are very excited to be included in this international group, especially at 28th place among public schoos and at 49th for research. The Aspen ‘100’ recognizes the schools that are best preparing the next generation of leaders to innovate at the intersection of corporate profits and social impacts.”

Jon Johnson, executive director of the University of Arkansas Applied Sustainability Center, which is housed in the Walton College, will receive the award for the college at the Aspen Institute Center for Business Education celebration on Nov. 5-6 in New York City.

Alan Ellstand, director of the Walton College MBA program, said, “To be ranked among MBA programs around the globe is a great honor. Over 40,000 pages of data were analyzed to come up with the 100 top MBA programs.”

Judith Samuelson, executive director, Aspen Institute’s Business and Society Program, said, “The best business students move quickly into the front ranks of business — and the attitudes and values they bring to the table are deeply influenced by their time in business education. Will they accept the status quo or act on their passion about the positive role business can play at the intersection of corporate profit and social impact? The schools that are competitive in the Beyond Grey Pinstripes ranking are the real trailblazers — they assure that students have the right skill as well as the will to make things happen.”

For more information, go to: http://gsb.uark.edu/
http://waltoncollege.uark.edu/news/view.asp?article=732 and http://www.beyondgreypinstripes.org/.

Celebrity Caterer Spotlight: Becky Miller

Becky Miller (BSIB ’07) is gearing up for next Tuesday’s competition at the Walton College alumni event, Bon Appétit, Come Eat, Greet and Compete! and is ready to take on her challengers.

By day, Becky is an insights analyst for Saatchi & Saatchi X where she spends her time examining the needs and desires of her clients’ consumers. However, when the sun goes down, you can find Becky in her kitchen concocting treats to meet the needs and desires of fellow chocolate lovers. Come see how Becky’s consumer insights translate into a Chocolate Truffle Cake on Tuesday, October 20 at the home of Tim and Mary Beth Brooks. We are relying on you, the consumer, to let us know if Becky succeeded in determining and satisfying your chocolate cravings. Remember, your votes in the “celebrity caterer” competition will directly support the Walton College Alumni Society scholarship fund. So come be an informed consumer for a good cause.

Tickets are $20 for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association and $25 for non-members. Advance registration for the event is required and can be completed by calling Rachel Burton at (479) 575-5425.

Celebrity Caterer Spotlight: Steven Hinds

Alumnus Steven Hinds (BSPA '89) with Gamedaysuitesupply.com wants to cater to your taste buds next week at the Walton College's Bon Appetit event. Steven plans to enter his "Hogwild" Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe in the celebrity caterer competition and hopes you'll vote for him as the favorite of the night.

Steven is the chairman of the Business Alumni Advisory Council and received a Walton College Alumni Award this past year for outstanding service. He is also a member of the Walton College Alumni Society's board of directors.

Be sure to join Steven and the rest of our celebrity caterers next week at our northwest Arkansas alumni event. Advance registration is required; contact Rachel Burton at (479) 575-5425 to register today!

Celebrity Caterer Spotlight: The Cooks and Books Team

Dr. Molly Rapert (BSBA '85, MBA '87), associate professor of marketing and logistics, has teamed up with Dr. Gary Ferrier, economics department chair, and Dr. Anne O'Leary-Kelly, management department chair, to form the "Cooks and Books" faculty team for the Walton College's Bon Appetit event this month.

The Cooks and Books team plans to submit Sausage and Chile Sombreros as their entry in the celebrity caterer competition. To obtain their recipe and vote for their entry, plan to attend the event on October 20th! Advance registration is required and can be completed by contacting Rachel Burton at (479) 575-5425.

Help Cooks and Books get an "A" for more than just effort and support the Walton College Alumni Society Scholarship in the process!

Where's Walton? In Dallas!

To support the Arkansas Razorbacks in their challenge against Texas A&M in Jerry Jones’ (BSBA ’65, MA ’65) fabulous new Cowboys Stadium, several Walton College representatives traveled to Dallas on October 2-3. It was a special treat to see the Hogs stomp A&M. It was an even greater opportunity to meet with alumni and old and new friends and talk about recruiting Dallas area students to the University of Arkansas.

Walton College Dean’s Executive Advisory Board member John Reap (BSBA ’70) hosted a delicious breakfast at the Bent Tree Country Club on Friday morning. We are very grateful to have such wonderful supporters such as John. Guests were treated to a University of Arkansas update from Chancellor Dave Gearhart and a Walton College update from Dean Dan Worrell. John strongly encouraged alumni to help recruit students to Fayetteville, pointing out that approximately 25 percent of the Walton College freshman class this year are from Texas.

The Walton College is also grateful to Sam Pittman (BSBA ’82) who invited some of his alumni buddies —as well as people he wanted to inform about the college— to lunch at Sevy’s on Preston Road. Even a Walton college parent, Chuck Carter and his father, Charles Carter, some alumni parents, and a high school counselor joined the group. Approximately 32 people turned up to enjoy the great food and learn more about the good things going on at the college. Dean Worrell discussed the college’s strategic plan for 2015, some of its challenges, and took questions from the guests.

In addition to the chancellor, University of Arkansas guests at one or both events included Vice Chancellor for Advancement Brad Choate, Associate Vice Chancellor for Development Bruce Pontious, Executive Director of Development Mark Power, Executive Associate Athletic Director Bev Lewis, and Director of Development Harley Lewis — as well as Walton College Senior Associate Dean Bill Curington, Director of Development & External Relations Katy Nelson, Director of Communications Dixie Kline, and Assistant Director for Undergraduate Recruitment Autumn Parker.

By the way, alumnus Jerry Jones, owner, president and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys Football Club, will be inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame on February 12, 2010.

We hope the Walton College made an impression on the Big “D.” We were certainly impressed by the enthusiasm shown by our Dallas alumni and friends.

Autumn Parker and Keith Walters (BSBA '83)

Bill Curington, Sarah Wiles (BSBA '06) and Jared Wilkins (BSBA '05)

Dean Dan Worrell and John Reap (BSBA '70)

Kirk Meyer (BSBA '03) and Todd Green (BSBA '99)

Carl Cross (BSBA '75), Pat Carrigan (BSBA '80) and Katy Nelson

Ken Broom (BSBA '82), Jim Howe and Bobby Lambert (BSBA '80)

Chuck Carter and Sam Pittman (BSBA '82)


Mario Ramirez (BSBA '89) and Jana Rouble (BSBA '90)

Celebrity Caterer Spotlight: Trisha McRoberts & Andre Tucker

Trisha McRoberts (MBA '07) and Andre Tucker (MBA '07) have teamed up to compete as celebrity caterers for the Walton College's Bon Appetit event for northwest Arkansas alumni later this month.

Trisha, a member of our Business Alumni Advisory Council, works for McCormick & Company. So, watch out folks - she has the inside connection to all of the spices and seasonings to make their entry smell and taste delicious.

Andre works for Walmart and will be helping her with the dessert they plan to enter, which is Rum Cake. Take a look at this picture Trisha sent us of their dish!

If you want Trisha & Andre's Rum Cake recipe and want to help support the Walton College Alumni Society Scholarship in the process, join us for our alumni event on October 20th. Vote for them that night and help them win the celebrity caterer competition as well. Tickets are $20 for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association and $25 for non-members. To register, call Rachel Burton at (479) 575-5425.

Celebrity Caterer Spotlight: Brittany Adair

Brittany Brosh Adair (BSBA '96) is bringing a bit of sparkle to the Walton College's Bon Appetit event this month with her White Diamond Sangria. Brittany, who is the co-owner and president of Romance Diamond Company, will be joining fellow Walton College alumni in the competition on Tuesday, October 20th, at the home of Tim and Mary Beth Brooks.

Brittany and her husband Steve (BSBA '95)

If you are thirsty for Brittany's recipe and want to help her win the competition, be sure to join us! Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling Rachel Burton at (479) 575-5425.

Bon Appetit: Say "Cheese!" for Brittney Carlton

The Walton College is pleased to announce that alumna Brittney Carlton will be our photographer of choice for the upcoming Bon Appetit event in Northwest Arkansas on October 20th.

Known as one of the top wedding photographers in Arkansas, Brittney Carlton began her photography studio, Focused Exposure, in Fayetteville after graduating from the Walton College in 1998. She is married to Dale Carlton, graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law, class of 2001. Having a love for the arts and enjoying capturing the memories of people in her photos, Brittney continues to advance her techniques and perspectives in portraying the splendor of her client’s wedding day. Brittney has professional training in photography and worked directly with an ESPN photographer for three years as she developed her individual style. Although no two photos are the same, people often recognize Brittney’s photographic style in every image. Brittney is in demand for her commercial work, personality images, portraits, and artistic pictures, but she spends the majority of her time focusing on her love and passion for weddings.

Even though wedding photography is her expertise and focus, Brittney has kindly agreed to be our event photographer to show her support of her alma mater. Smile her way when you see her on October 20th!

Brittney's website can be found at http://www.focusedexposure.com/. She also has her own blog at http://focusedexposure.blogspot.com/.

If you would like to contact Brittney to schedule your own photography session, you can reach her at 479-521-3686 or Brittney@FocusedExposure.com.