Walton College Names First Associate Dean for Executive Education

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Dean Eli Jones, Matt Waller, Anne O'Leary-Kelly and Javier Reyes

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Dean Eli Jones of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas has named Matthew A. Waller to be the college’s first associate dean for executive education. 

Waller’s appointment was one of several that Jones made to the college’s leadership team. All those took effect July 1.

Waller, who holds the Garrison Endowed Chair in Supply Chain Management, will continue as the chair of the college’s Department of Supply Chain Management. Waller’s position as associate dean will be on an interim basis for the first year. 

“Given the potential demand for executive education opportunities in our state and region, I have created the new position of associate dean for executive education and asked Matt Waller to take on the challenge of growing the program,” Jones said. “Matt has demonstrated his leadership in this area by working with the supply chain management department to customize executive education for J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., resulting in J.B. Hunt Supply Chain University Powered by Walton. The J.B. Hunt Supply Chain University is an innovative learning curriculum that will empower J.B. Hunt employees with current supply chain knowledge focused on helping them create additional value for their customers.” 

The Walton College will now have a complete array of educational offerings – from undergraduate and graduate programs to professional and executive education. Waller will work with Marion M. Dunagan, assistant dean for graduate programs and executive education, to expand and enhance executive education in the Walton College.

“In the past Eli Jones served as Associate Dean for Executive Education Programs, and, prior to that, Executive Director of the Sales Excellence Institute at the University of Houston,” Waller said. “He founded the Sales Excellence Institute, which is one of the most successful institutes of its kind in the world. Consequently, Dean Jones is creating the vision and setting the strategic direction for our executive education program that positions it for success.” 

Javier A. Reyes, a professor of economics, is now the Walton College’s interim associate dean for undergraduate studies. Reyes also will continue to serve as the university’s vice provost for distance education.

Anne O’Leary-Kelly, who holds the William R. and Cacilia Howard Chair in Management, continues as Walton’s associate dean for graduate programs.