Walton College Names New Academic Building to Honor Distinguished Dillard Family

The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the U of A will name its new academic building Mandy and Bill Dillard II Hall, recognizing the Dillard family's significant contributions to Arkansas business and the university.

The 100,000-square-foot building will sit at the corner of North Harmon Avenue and West Fairview Street, right next to the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Enterprise Development and across from the Harmon Parking Garage. It's designed to tackle a real challenge: Walton College has grown fast, and they need more space.

“Mandy and I are deeply honored to support the Walton College at such a pivotal moment in its history,” said Dillard II. “Arkansas has given our family and our company every opportunity to grow and succeed, and we believe strongly in investing back into the people and institutions that make this state exceptional. The students who walk through these doors represent the future of business in Arkansas and beyond. If this building helps create an environment where they can think bigger, work harder and lead with integrity, then it is an investment well made.”

“The Dillard family has helped make Walton College one of the top business schools in the nation, and Dillard Hall is a fitting reflection of that legacy as the college experiences remarkable growth and expands its impact across Arkansas and beyond,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “We are grateful to Mandy and Bill Dillard II for their unwavering commitment to our students and their decades of support for the University of Arkansas.”

Walton College’s growth reflects its rising national prominence. This fall, more than 10,300 students enrolled — an increase of more than 50% since 2020— positioning Walton among the fastest-growing major business schools in the United States and reinforcing its role as a premier destination for business education in the nation’s most dynamic corporate region.

The building will add about 1,600 new classroom seats and brings most Walton College classes together in one academic area alongside the main Business Building, Walker Hall and the Reynolds Center. This consolidation frees up classroom space across campus for other departments and gives everyone more flexibility in scheduling.

Beyond classrooms, the building includes plenty of places for students to study and work together, adding around 600-700 additional seats in study areas, collaboration spaces and casual gathering spots.

“We are deeply grateful for the vision and generosity that Bill and Mandy Dillard continue to invest in our university," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "Dillard Hall builds on their long history of opening doors for students — from the Land of Opportunity Scholarship to the William Dillard Department of Accounting — and will help prepare talented students who will strengthen the industries that anchor Arkansas’ economy.

“Their partnership embodies the very best of philanthropic leadership, and we are honored to celebrate this important milestone with them.”

The building's name honors a family that's been central to Arkansas business for decades. Bill Dillard II has watched his family's company grow from a single department store to one of the country's major fashion retailers, all while staying rooted in Arkansas and creating jobs throughout the state. Dillard II has been a generous supporter of the college over the years.

"This building represents more than just additional space," said Brent Williams, dean of the Walton College. "It's an investment in our students' future and a testament to the kind of business leadership we hope to develop here. Having the Dillard name on this building connects our students to that legacy every day."

The Dillards’ generosity extends across campus and beyond. They have supported the College of Education and Health Professions, Razorback Athletics and the Razorback Foundation, student organizations and numerous other university initiatives. Their philanthropy and advocacy have also strengthened organizations throughout the region, including The Lamplight School, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Junior League of Dallas, Easterseals Arkansas, Children’s Cancer Fund and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, among others.

Bill Dillard II is a former member of the Walton College Dean’s Executive Advisory Board and served on the steering committees for Campaign for the Twenty-First Century and Campaign Arkansas, two major capital campaigns for the U of A. He serves on the boards of directors of Barnes & Noble Inc. and Acxiom Corp. and is a member of the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame.

Bill and Mandy Dillard are members of the Towers of Old Main giving society. Dillard II received the Chancellor’s Medal and an honorary Doctor of Business degree from the U of A.

The university will announce construction timelines and dedication ceremony details later.

About Dillards, Inc.: William T. Dillard started the company in 1938 with $8,000 and a single store in Nashville, Arkansas. Today, Dillard's operates 272 stores and 28 clearance centers across 30 states, plus online sales. The company focuses on premium fashion, beauty and home products with personalized customer service.

About the Sam M. Walton College of Business: The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas is one of the nation’s leading public business schools, educating more than 10,000 students and advancing business through academic excellence, applied learning, and industry collaboration.

Founded in 1926 and located in Northwest Arkansas—one of the country’s most dynamic business regions—Walton College provides students direct access to global companies including Walmart, Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt.

Consistently ranked among the top public business schools in the United States, Walton College is nationally recognized for leadership in supply chain management, entrepreneurship and data analytics. The college’s research, centers and partnerships help organizations solve complex challenges while preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving economy.

As it approaches its centennial, Walton College continues to expand its national influence by developing talent at scale, advancing innovation and strengthening the connection between higher education and industry.