Vivian Reese Hill Named Assistant Director of M.S. Finance Program

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Vivian Hill is the assistant director for the Master of Science in Finance program at Walton College. Photo by Lori McLemore.

Vivian Reese Hill has been named assistant director for the Master of Science in Finance program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas, effective Dec. 5, 2023. 

“Our Master of Science in Finance program exists to support students in transforming their lives through education,” Hill said. “It’s exciting to be a part of enhancing students’ futures. The Walton M.S. in Finance degree program can give students a competitive advantage in the workplace, as well as stimulate their intellectual curiosity. That curiosity moves the world forward.

The finance graduate degree is a one-year, full-time program that provides students with data analytics and advanced concepts in financial markets and venture innovations. The lucrative degree assists students in advancing their careers in financial management and analytics, securities/commodities, budget analytics and more. Priority applications for the fall semester are due by April 15. 

“We are thrilled to have Vivian to spread the word about our exciting program, and we have already seen her make a huge difference in our recruiting and retention efforts,” said Cash Acrey, assistant professor of finance and director of the M.S. Finance program. “The Walton M.S. Finance program, as the premiere source of financial education in Arkansas, provides students with an intense and impactful deep dive into leading edge, innovative topics. Our students are incredibly competitive on the job market because we have tailored our curriculum to meet modern demands of the finance profession, placing heavy emphasis on financial data analytics, fintech and the technologies transforming the industry, and venture capital and the financing of innovation.” 

Hill comes to the Finance Department with a wealth of knowledge about Walton College and the university. Previously, she worked in Walton College’s Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Venture Innovation, Office of Applied Sustainability Center, Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality and the Department of Finance, providing administrative support. 

In these roles, she was responsible for departmental event administration, office management, marketing and communication coordination, accounts receivable and more. 

Hill, a first-generation college graduate, earned a bachelor’s degree in art and performance from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Master of Science in Operations Management from the U of A. She is originally from Hope, Arkansas, and is an avid hiker.

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.