Jeff Hood, Barbara Lofton and Mike Waldie have been promoted to be assistant deans in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, Dean Matt Waller announced.

"Jeff, Barbara and Mike have done an outstanding job leading their respective teams over the years," Waller said in announcing the appointments on Aug. 10. "Their work is vital to our college and to our students. I am proud to promote them to these important leadership roles."

Jeff Hood oversees Walton College's Undergraduate Programs Office. He and his team manage advising, tutoring programs, orientation, scholarships, student records, academic enhancement workshops, registration, freshmen learning communities, degree conferral, the honors program and more. Hood sets the strategic direction for his team and gains alignment with other organizations. 

Barbara Lofton leads the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Walton College. She influences the strategic direction of the college, creates a welcoming environment for students and works to recruit and retain minority students. In addition, she has built and maintained an engaged advisory board and collaborates across campus and throughout the Southeastern Conference to promote diversity and inclusion.

Mike Waldie manages the Walton College Graduate School of Business, overseeing 10 master's degree programs, four graduate certificate programs and Walton College's Ph.D. programs. Through his leadership, the graduate school has created a more student-focused, improved responsiveness and innovative approach. In the last year, enrollment in Walton College's master programs has grown by more than 33% and five new master programs have been introduced. 

"To be considered for an assistant dean title, candidates' roles must involve an academic focus, a broad scope of responsibilities and significant positive influence on academic outcomes," Waller said. "Each of these leaders meet these criteria and have demonstrated their excellent service to Walton College."