Incoming Freshmen Attend Business Leadership Academy

Business Leadership Academy students with Claudia Mobley of the Center for Retailing Excellence and Barbara Loftin of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
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Business Leadership Academy students with Claudia Mobley of the Center for Retailing Excellence and Barbara Loftin of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The Center for Retailing Excellence at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, in partnership with the college's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, conducted the Business Leadership Academy on June 9-14.  

Twenty-four incoming freshmen from under-represented groups received an introduction to campus life, learned about career opportunities for business majors and took the opportunity to create a social network that will help in their transition to college life.

The students participated in a mini-case study provided by The Nielsen Company with mentors from the Network of Executive Women and the center's board companies, Walmart, Kimberly Clark, Advantage Sales & Marketing and Idelle Labs. The case study introduced students to the tactics and considerations for launching a new product into the market using concepts of brand recognition, category positioning, production and supply chain.

The curriculum included a visit to RedDot Square, which specializes in virtual merchandising; a Walmart distribution center tour; and a Walmart store walk with industry representatives, including Scott McCall, senior vice president of toys, seasonal and celebrations, Walmart Stores. Students also found time for bowling and a visit to the Walton Five and Dime.

The program concluded with presentations by the students of case findings which were critiqued by Matt Parker, Idelle Labs; Lori Brown, Kimberly Clark; Brad Godwin, ACOSTA Mosaic Group; Cindy O'Connor, Sam's Club; and Pam Styles, Center for Retailing Excellence. 

The Business Leadership Academy program was created four years ago as a retention program for students of underrepresented groups within the Walton College.

Contacts

David Speer, Director of Communications
Sam M. Walton College of Business
479-575-2539, dspeer@walton.uark.edu

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