Saying Goodbye to a Dream Role

Saying Goodbye to a Dream Role

Working at the University of Arkansas was always a dream of mine, and having the chance to do so at the McMillon Innovation Studio and the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation truly set the stage for what has been an incredible 3.5 years. When I think back, this job was exactly what I needed, coming out of the challenges of COVID and helping my own business Big Box Karaoke survive the storm.

Embracing a new role with new co-workers and the opportunity to make an impact across this incredible campus was just what I needed at that time. I’m proud to say that I took that challenge head-on.

Impacting 1,000+ Students

Over my time at the University, I either taught or directly mentored over 1,000 students, and I’m incredibly proud of every single connection. I want to send praises to all the educators out there that do this day in and day out, not just for years, but for decades. Watching the students grow, land amazing jobs, launch companies, pursue graduate degrees, or even join the Peace Corps has been one of the highlights of my career. I have no doubt I worked with some of the brightest minds at this institution, and I’m excited to see the impact they will have on the world.

Standout Moments

Among the many amazing moments I had, two that stand out are Demo Day in Fall 2023, where we had the honor of welcoming Walmart’s President and CEO Doug McMillon back to campus, and leading the Global Business Study Abroad course as part of the University of Arkansas -- Sam M. Walton College of Business EMBA program, where I took students to Japan in the summer of 2023. These experiences were not just highlights for me professionally, but personally as well. They encapsulate what this role was about: learning, growing, and sharing life-changing experiences with students.

Building the Future of Product Leaders

I’m especially proud of the growth and development of the Master of Science in Product Innovation program within the Walton College SEVI Department. We doubled enrollment last year, setting the stage for a program that will shape current and future product leaders. I firmly believe the University of Arkansas has the potential to be a leader in cultivating product innovators, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, across the country.

Lessons Learned: University Life & Innovation

I’ve learned a lot during my time here, especially about how universities function and how innovation life cycles work. While some might point out the bureaucracy that exists in larger organizations or institutions like the UA, the reality is that the?UA is full of so many incredibly talented people. When you bring together so many bright minds, differing opinions are inevitable, and it takes time to navigate those. One of the biggest challenges ahead for universities is figuring out how to foster innovation more rapidly, with the support of both faculty and students. At times, we can get in our own way, but everyone knows this and is working hard to evolve.? I fully believe the UA will be an academic institution that thrives with these challenges in the future.

Realizing My Next Step

One of the most important things I realized during this time is that I really missed building my own products. Don’t get me wrong—I loved mentoring students and playing the role of “coach.” But the truth is, I still want to play the game, I still want to take the shot, and I still want to win. We all have our paths, and mine isn’t ready for full-time mentorship just yet—I still have some big goals I’m chasing!

What’s Next?

There’s more to come soon on what’s next for me, but for now, I want to share how much fun I’ve had during my 3.5 years at the UA and for those that seek to help support future generations you definitely should get involved. You can make a difference just like I did. I’m not saying goodbye completely—I’ll still be involved as a lecturer, and I’m grateful for the friendships and connections I’ve made along the way.

I’m beyond excited to see where the leaders of the McMillon Innovation Studio and the Master of Science in Product Innovation program take things next. It’s been a blast, and I can’t wait for the next chapter!??

Go Hogs! WPS.

Forever a Razorback

-Justin