Adriana Hofer is the new director of the Global Engagement Office for the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.

Matt Waller, Walton College interim dean, said the appointment was effective Jan. 1, 2016.  

"As director of global engagement, she will provide leadership for the Walton College in preparing our students for a richer education in global business," Waller said. "She will be involved in enhancing curriculum development, generating opportunities for faculty development and increasing student study abroad opportunities."

Hofer is an assistant professor of supply chain management at the Walton College and leads a study abroad trip to Brazil every other year.

"It is an honor to serve as the director of the Global Engagement Office and to work with students, faculty and staff towards enhancing the global footprint of our teaching and research here at the Walton College and abroad," Hofer said. "This goal is close to my heart because I am here today thanks to the opportunities that were presented to me in a study abroad program for young professionals many years ago."

"I know firsthand that global awareness and knowledge change our lives personally and professionally," she said. "Importantly, employers time and again emphasize how critical it is for students to have an understanding and appreciation of the opportunities and challenges that come with doing business on a global scale. Creating opportunities for our students to travel, work and study abroad, learn different languages and become familiar with different cultures is of utmost importance as we position the Walton College as a leader in business education on a national and global scale."

"She is well qualified for this position," Waller said. "She conducts research on international business, has experience in international business and teaches International Logistics at the undergraduate level. Her expertise in global supply chain management has become an important aspect of the Walton executive education offering."

Hofer's research has appeared in the Journal of Business Logistics, Transportation Journal, International Journal of Logistics Management, International Journal of Production Economics and Journal of Air Transport Management, as well as several conference proceedings and trade magazines.

Hofer earned a doctorate from the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to that, she worked as a transportation engineering consultant specializing in design, privatization and concession of transportation infrastructure.