The Sam M. Walton College of Business received a $150,000 gift from STAT Recovery Services for the establishment of the STAT Recovery Scholarship, which will be distributed over two years. The scholarship will support students enrolled in the 4+1 master's programs.

“We are very grateful to STAT Recovery Services for their strong commitment to education, community impact and student success — our biggest priority,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “The STAT Recovery Scholarship will provide the next generation of Arkansas business leaders much-needed support to accelerate their coursework to earn a master’s degree.”

The STAT Recovery Scholarship will be awarded to students demonstrating exceptional drive and potential with a preference for first-generation college students. 

Recipients must be enrolled in a 4+1 master’s program and pursuing one of the following graduate degrees:

• Master of Finance
• Master of Information Systems
• Master of Applied Business Analytics
• Master of Supply Chain Management

The scholarship is designed to alleviate financial pressures, allowing recipients to focus on their studies and career goals, and will provide $15,000 per recipient for students in their fifth/master’s year of study.

Casey Roberts, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of STAT Recovery Services

“STAT Recovery Services holds a strong connection with Walton College. Our staff and leadership team have been inspired by the thought leadership from notable Walton College faculty including Matt Waller, Brent Williams, Molly Rapert, Andy Murray, Jeff Murray, Anne Velliquette, Adrienne Callander, John Cole and others,” said Rich Lawrence, chief commercial officer at STAT Recovery Services.

The 4+1 programs allow well-prepared undergraduate students at Walton College to begin graduate studies during the last year of their undergraduate careers. 

Students accepted to the 4+1 programs enroll in graduate coursework and can apply those hours to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. The programs equip students with a competitive edge by providing a fast-paced, innovative education that ensures they are well-prepared to enter the workforce swiftly and can make meaningful contributions immediately.

“At STAT Recovery Services, we believe in the power of giving back to the community and are committed to fostering education,” Lawrence said. “When we began our discussions with Walton College and they explained the 4+1 programs, we immediately knew we wanted to be a part of it.”

“The 4+1 programs are an excellent option for students pursuing graduate studies in Walton College,” said  Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “We are very grateful to STAT Recovery Services for supporting these important programs and our students.”

STAT Recovery Services is a retail financial operations firm and pioneer in resolving transaction irregularities for suppliers. They enable suppliers to reinvest in their business with retailers like Walmart. The Bentonville-based company recently made it onto the Inc. 5000’s list of fastest growing companies, achieving No. 583 in the national ranking and No. 1 in Arkansas.

STAT Recovery Services is dedicated to fostering talent and reinforcing its belief in practical application. The company is passionate about turning innovative ideas into action. "It's about funding the visionaries and the 'doers' of the future,” Lawrence said. “We're thrilled to support those who will use this opportunity to make a real difference in their community and beyond."

About University Advancement: University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.