Three Alumni to Be Honored at Walton College Awards Banquet

Submitted photo

Joanne Tam Fuller, Bob East and Heather Nelson

Three outstanding alumni of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas will be honored in April at the college's annual awards banquet.

The April 18 banquet will recognize outstanding achievement by Walton College students for the 2018-19 school year and honor alumni for their success in business and service to the college and the community.

The three alumni honorees for 2019 are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award — Bob East; chairman of the board, East-Harding, Inc.; Little Rock, Arkansas. East earned a B.S.B.A. in finance from the Walton College in 1970.
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award — Heather Nelson; co-founder, president and chief operating officer, Seal Energy Solutions; North Little Rock, Arkansas. Nelson earned a B.S.B.A. in marketing management in 1994.
• Outstanding Service Award — Joanne Tam Fuller, associate client director, Nielsen; Bentonville, Arkansas. Fuller earned an M.B.A. in 2014 with an emphasis in global business.

The Walton College recognizes up to three alumni annually in the categories of service, entrepreneurship and lifetime achievement. Nominations for each category are gathered from faculty, staff and alumni. Final approval of the awards rests with Dean Matthew A. Waller, with input from faculty and staff.

Walton College's lifetime achievement award is presented only to those who make significant achievements in his or her career and are recognized as industry and community leaders. To be considered for this award, a Walton College graduate must exemplify the core values of the college, inspire students and be a source of pride for the school.

The entrepreneur of the year award recognizes a Walton College graduate who has proven innovative and successful in a business venture of his or her own creation or reinvention. Preference is given to entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least five years. Consideration is also given to emerging entrepreneurs who exhibit the business acumen, drive and dedication essential to long-term success.

The college's outstanding service award recognizes service by a Walton College graduate who helps build and sustain the alumni and student network through active engagement, such as helping students find jobs and internships, participating in and promoting alumni activities and volunteering for one of the many Walton College department, center or advisory boards.