Brent Williams, interim dean of the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business
The University of Arkansas on Friday announced that Matt Waller, dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, is stepping down and Brent Williams will take over as interim dean.
The move takes effect Aug. 14. Waller, who has led the college for eight years, is taking a faculty position as a professor of supply chain management.
Under Waller’s leadership, the college developed seven new master’s programs, established several endowments and created four new online bachelor’s degree programs, the university said in a news release.
“We are grateful Dean Waller will continue to serve our institution as a professor,” Terry Martin, university provost, said in a news release. “I’d also like to welcome Dr. Williams as he becomes the interim dean in August. I’m confident that Dr. Williams will continue the great work that Dean Waller has started as well as continue to position Walton College as one of the best business schools in the country.”
Williams currently serves as the senior associate dean and Garrison Endowed Chair in Supply Chain Management at the business college. In his role as senior associate dean, he oversees Walton College’s academic departments, student success initiatives, and insights and analytics function. He also leads the college’s strategic planning process and several strategic initiatives.
In previous leadership roles, Williams led the early development of the McMillon Innovation Studio and Walton College in downtown Little Rock. He also served as the chair of the department of supply chain management.
Williams has led research on how retail supply chains can develop and redesign planning and execution processes to meet the demands of today’s changing marketplace. He has published more than 30 articles in leading business journals, according to the release.
“I am energized by the opportunity to serve as Interim Dean,” Williams said in a statement. “I am grateful to Provost Terry Martin for his confidence in me and to Dean Matt Waller for his mentorship and support.”
Williams received his Ph.D. in business administration from the University of Arkansas, where he concentrated in supply chain management. He has held previous faculty positions at Texas Christian University and Auburn University.
A national search for the next dean of Walton College will be conducted this next academic year.
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