Data Science Program, Launched in 2020, Celebrates First Graduates

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Left to right are Benjamin Marlow, Jack Kincannon and Annelise Koster.

On May 13, the Data Science Program will celebrate its inaugural class of graduates: Jack Kincannon, Annelise Koster and Benjamin Marlow.

Kincannon will graduate with honors with a concentration in business data analytics and work for Arvest as a portfolio management analyst for its wealth management group. He was also a finalist for College of Engineering senior of the year.

Koster will graduate with honors and a concentration in business data analytics. She plans to work as an associate consultant with Mastercard in Rogers.

Marlow will graduate with a concentration in data science statistics. He plans to explore job opportunities in the fields of finance, sports analytics or tech consulting.

"Reaching commencement is always meaningful, but to be the first graduates from such a unique program in such an exciting and vital field is especially momentous," said Kathryn Sloan, interim dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. "We are so proud of our new data science alumni and congratulate them on this wonderful achievement!"

Launched in 2020 with 14 students, the Data Science Program is a multi-college, interdisciplinary undergraduate degree program between the College of Engineering, Sam M. Walton College of Business and Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

The program has grown quickly, from 27 students entering the first year to 80 students entering this past year with a total number of students approximately 150 students today.

"The data science degree program at the University of Arkansas is one of a kind. Very few higher education institutions offer an interdisciplinary collaborative degree such as this," said Shannon Bedore, CEO of Sightline Retail, which provides retail analytics and data management services to midsize suppliers. "Graduates of this program are taught to understand broader implications for data management and analytics beyond their specific field of study, giving students a robust professional edge in the real world."

A key element of the program's teachings is industry knowledge and experience prior to entering the workforce. The program has worked toward that goal by "collaborating with industry leaders across the state to develop a world-class program that prepares graduates for rewarding careers with some of the nation's top companies," said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council.

Each of the students has endured challenging times, not only in being in the first group of students to enroll in the Data Science Program, but also doing so during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Having started courses virtually in 2020, to hitting the final stretch in 2023, I am appreciative of the process and everything I have learned," Marlow said. "I am proud to represent the first group of graduates and know this program will only continue to grow and prosper in the future."

The collaboration with Fulbright College and the College of Engineering in establishing an interdisciplinary program has been a rewarding and invigorating journey, said Matt Waller, dean of the Walton College.

"Witnessing bright, innovative students expand their horizons in this essential field and drive progress is nothing short of inspiring," he said.

The Data Science Program is at the forefront of the College of Engineering's push to provide a holistic educational experience, generate transformational and relevant knowledge and grow the STEM workforce for Arkansas and the world, said Kim Needy, dean of the college.

"These first three graduates are a great beginning for this dynamic and important program whose exponential growth demonstrates students' keen interest and companies' heavy demand for data scientists," she said. "We are grateful to this inaugural class, and we wish them much success."

Commencement will take place at noon on Saturday, May 13, during the College of Engineering ceremony in Barnhill Arena.