Brent Williams to Be Interim Dean for Walton College Beginning Aug. 14

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Brent Williams

Provost Terry Martin will appoint Brent Williams as interim dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, effective Aug. 14. Williams will begin his role as interim dean after current Dean Matt Waller transitions back to faculty as professor of supply chain management.

Waller has been the dean of Walton College for the past eight years. Under his leadership, Walton College has experienced tremendous growth, including the development of seven new master programs, the establishment of several endowments, the creation of four new online bachelor's degree programs and the implementation of several leadership initiatives and entrepreneurial programs.

"I'd like to congratulate Dean Waller for all the successes he has brought to Walton College in the past eight years," said Provost Martin.  "We are grateful Dean Waller will continue to serve our institution as a professor. I'd also like to welcome Dr. Williams as he becomes the interim dean in August. I'm confident that Dr. Williams will continue the great work that Dean Waller has started, as well as continue to position Walton College as one of the best business schools in the country."

Williams currently serves as the senior associate dean and Garrison Endowed Chair in Supply Chain Management in Walton College at the U of A. In his role as senior associate dean, he oversees Walton College's academic departments, student success initiatives, and insights and analytics function. He also leads the college's strategic planning process and several strategic initiatives. 

"I am energized by the opportunity to serve as interim dean. I am grateful to Provost Terry Martin for his confidence in me and to Dean Matt Waller for his mentorship and support," Williams said.

In previous leadership roles, Williams led the early development of the McMillon Innovation Studio and Walton College at 2nd & Main in Downtown Little Rock. He also served as the chair of the Department of Supply Chain Management. 

In addition, Williams has led research on how retail supply chains can develop and redesign planning and execution processes to meet the demands of today's changing marketplace. He has published more than 30 articles in leading business journals, such as Journal of Operations Management, Production and Operations Management, Decision Sciences and Journal of Business Logistics.

Williams received his Ph.D. in business administration from the U of A, where he concentrated in supply chain management. He has held previous faculty positions at Texas Christian University and Auburn University. 

"I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments and growth we have achieved together at Walton College during my tenure as dean," Waller said. "As I transition back to the faculty, I am confident that Dr. Brent Williams will excel in his new role as interim dean. His extensive experience, dedication and innovative spirit make him the ideal candidate to lead Walton College into the future. I look forward to witnessing the continued success of our institution under his capable leadership."

A national search for the next dean of Walton College will be conducted this next academic year.

For more information on Walton College, visit walton.uark.edu.

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