Walton Student's Path to Senior Walk Leads to Success

Coming from Marked Tree, Arkansas – with a graduating class of just 37 – to the U of A felt intimidating to Devonte Daniel. But, as he says, “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened the door for countless opportunities of learning, growth and connections!” 

Devonte chose the Sam M. Walton College of Business because of its nationally ranked programs in Marketing and Supply Chain Management, along with the opportunities to connect with Fortune 500 companies right here in Northwest Arkansas. Also, he felt Walton College would offer him “the perfect balance for academic excellence, professional development and leadership opportunities that will help me grow both personally and professionally,” he says. 

At first, he wasn’t sure what to major in. “It was between supply chain management and sales,” he says. In the end, he chose to major in marketing. “I’m sales-passionate," he explains. “I like going out and meeting with people, talking with people. I love solving problems and making sure that I am meeting the customer's needs, ensuring the customer is satisfied.” 

“I strongly believed that the Marketing Department here could help me better understand customers, build relationships and find creative ways to make sure that I am meeting the customer's needs.” 

And he didn’t entirely leave the supply chain management track. “I am sales focused, but I also do love logistics,” he says, which is why he chose to minor in supply chain management.  

Devonte says he appreciates the hands-on, real-world experience he got from his marketing courses and the many sales competitions he took part in.  

In addition, he took full advantage of Leadership Walton, a professional development program for undergraduate business students that offers a blend of academic, leadership and career development opportunities designed to guide students toward lifelong professional success.  

He served on the Leadership Walton Executive Board for three years, holding positions such as vice president, junior member outreach coordinator and junior/senior member outreach coordinator.  

“Leadership Walton has been great to me,” he says, noting the opportunities it offers, such as getting students connected with Fortune 500 companies, professional etiquette classes, career fairs and volunteer opportunities.  

On track to graduate in May of 2026, he is currently working on his master's in supply chain management through the 4 + 1 Program, which allows undergraduate students to begin doing graduate coursework during their last year of undergraduate studies. 

And he is already set up for success after Commencement. In May 2025, he was offered a sales internship with United Rentals, where he plans to stay after graduation. “I plan to complete the Sales Development Program with United Rentals and then transition into an outside sales representative role with the company.”  

He says of the internship, “It really set me up to go where I want to go.” 

Despite being intimidated as an incoming freshman, Devonte says, “Coming to the U of A was one of the best decisions I've ever made!”