Announcement: Dr. Brent Williams Appointed as Interim Dean of the Walton College of Business

As I announce in March, I will transition back to my role as a professor of supply chain management, starting from August 14.?

Today, I am thrilled to share the encouraging news that Dr. Brent D. Williams , our esteemed senior associate dean, will assume the role of interim dean for the University of Arkansas -- Sam M. Walton College of Business , beginning on August 14.

Starting almost 20 years ago, Brent has been a vital and beloved member of our academic community. Throughout this time, he has taken on various roles as a graduate student, professor, and administrator, consistently showcasing outstanding leadership and management abilities. This has set a high benchmark for others and has cultivated an atmosphere of excellence at our college.

Brent's steadfast dedication to excellence has been apparent in every role he has undertaken. His strategic mindset, keen attention to detail, and robust collaboration skills have all contributed to driving innovation and growth within our institution. I firmly believe that Brent's expertise and commitment will help elevate the Walton College to even greater levels of achievement and recognition.

Brent has not only been a driving force behind many of our college's significant accomplishments, but he has also played an essential role in the early stages of the McMillon Innovation Studio and Walton College at 2nd & Main in Downtown Little Rock. Additionally, he successfully served as the chair of the Department of Supply Chain Management, further bolstering our college's esteemed reputation.

Brent's research work has been nothing short of remarkable. His focus on developing and redesigning planning and execution processes for retail supply chains has enabled numerous businesses to adapt to the ever-evolving marketplace. With more than 30 articles published in respected business journals, such as the Journal of Business Logistics, Journal of Supply Chain Management, and Journal of Operations Management, Brent's contributions to his field have been significant and influential.

In his current capacity as senior associate dean, Brent manages a wide range of responsibilities. Among these are overseeing academic departments, directing student success initiatives, and supervising the insights and analytics function. Furthermore, Brent spearheads the College's strategic planning efforts and remains actively engaged in numerous strategic initiatives, ensuring our institution's continuous growth and excellence.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Brent Williams on his appointment as interim dean, effective four months from today. We look forward to the continued progress and success of the Walton College under his capable leadership.?