Autumn Parker, associate director for undergraduate recruitment at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, has been selected to participate in the National Academic Advising Association's Emerging Leaders program.

"I feel like it's a real honor. They only select 10 people from across the entire country," Parker said. "I am very happy to represent this state."

In 2007 the association formed the Emerging Leaders program under its diversity committee. The program encourages members from diverse groups to get involved in leadership opportunities within the organization and equips participants with skills and tools necessary to pursue appointed leadership positions.

The program selects 10 emerging leaders and 10 mentors for the two-year program. Leaders and mentors work closely on connecting the emerging leaders to their association of interest. In time, they develop a plan for continued involvement and growth within their association.

"NACADA supports academic advising in higher education across the nation, developing parameters and assessment tools to let universities know if they are doing a good job," Parker said. "I will return and serve as an academic advising leader and serve in the U of A community."

Graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2000, Parker received her bachelor's degree in hospitality and restaurant management from the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. She started working for the university at freshman orientation as an undergraduate student. After five years, she was named interim director of new student programs.

In 2002, she went on to get her master's degree in higher education from the University of Arkansas. Joining the Walton College in 2004, Parker worked as an undergraduate recruiter and adviser and has been there ever since. During that time she also earned a bachelor of science in business administration with a major in marketing.

When asked about her experience working at Walton College, she said, "I love the family atmosphere that the college creates. Everyone genuinely cares about each other. The family atmosphere creates a great working and learning environment."

"It's very exciting to work with high school graduates and see them grow and change throughout college and be with them throughout that process," Parker said. "The college has a lot of great resources and support that makes the environment beneficial to both faculty and the students."