J.K. Symancyk, president and chief executive officer of PetSmart, will speak at the 2024 commencement ceremony for the U of A’s Sam M. Walton College of Business. The ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at Bud Walton Arena.

Symancyk became the head of PetSmart in June 2018, bringing over 25 years of insights into the consumer retail industry. His journey from a seasonal associate at a Walmart distribution center to overseeing North America's leading pet retailer tells a story of his transformative leadership style and unwavering commitment to excellence.

PetSmart has seen significant achievements under his tenure, including increased market share, revenue growth and a steadfast commitment to associate welfare and inclusion. His vision has propelled PetSmart to new heights, solidifying its position at the top of the pet retail industry.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Symancyk maintains a solid connection to his alma mater. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas and currently serves on its Dean's Executive Advisory Board. His commitment to supporting education and student success is evident through his generous contributions to the university's initiatives and scholarships.

"I’ve seen firsthand J.K.’s advocacy for education and talent development while he’s been a member of the Dean's Executive Advisory Board," said Brent Williams, dean of Walton College. “We’re thrilled to have him share his insights with our graduates.”

The U of A looks forward to welcoming Symancyk as the commencement ceremony's keynote speaker, celebrating the graduating class' achievements and inspiring them to embrace the brightly lit road ahead.

About the Sam M. Walton College of Business: Founded in 1926, the Sam M. Walton College of Business is AACSB-accredited and ranks among the top business schools in the nation. Walton College is the largest college at the University of Arkansas, serving nearly 9,000 undergraduate, master's and doctoral students. Walton College is recognized among U.S. News & World Report's 2023 "Best Business Schools," and its undergraduate supply chain management program was ranked No. 1 in North America by Gartner. The college's Master of Business Administration program was also ranked No. 11 for best return on investment by The Wall Street Journal. The Princeton Review ranked the college's graduate entrepreneurship program as one of the top in the country for the first time in the 2022-23 year. And in partnership with the Global Campus, the U of A's online business degree program ranked No. 12 nationally among 214 institutions by U.S. News in 2023.

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.