First of five Orientations is now underway

Today is the Walton Graduate School of Business' first Orientation. All new incoming students for fall participate in an Orientation session. This is our chance to meet our new students and it gives them a chance to get to know each other before classes start. We are also getting rid of all of those fun housekeeping tasks like registering for classes, filling out paperwork, getting parking permits, student IDs, etc. Orientation signals the close of summer and means fall semester is about to start. Today's session is for Master of Arts in Economics, PhD Economics, PhD Accounting, and PhD Finance.

Our next Orientation will be on Monday, August 10 and it will be for Master of Information Systems and Professional MIS.

I just had to share this photo. I know it's a little hard to see but this is what happens when little boys try to pop wheelies on their scooters while riding without their helmet. He did a face plant on the concrete. This was taken this morning. He was not this calm last night right after if happened.

I should also comment on So You Think You Can Dance. Tonight two more dancers will be sent home leaving four for the finale. Next week we will have a new champ. I am cheering for Brandon. It looks like I won't have to wait until next summer for the next season; season 6 will now begin either this fall or winter.

Let me tell you about my night

It was such a beautiful day yesterday that when I left work, I decided it would be a nice night to get the kids out and about. We headed over to Wilson Park, just off campus. It was the perfect evening to go. Not too hot, very pleasant in the shade and the park wasn't very crowded. Several other families did have the same idea that I had so there were lots of kids swinging, playing in the sand, and climbing on the playground.

While I was sitting on the bench with my book, this is what I noticed (I have to confess that I LOVE to people watch. I am fascinated with their behavior and the way they interact with each other). One young mother sat and played her guitar and sang while keeping an eye on her toddler. I counted at least 4 families who spoke languages other than English and all were from different parts of the world. Several young couples (without kids) were lying on blankets under trees. Others were walking or running on the exercise path and I can't neglect to mention our 4-legged friends. Dogs do love the park, too. The mood was pleasant, happy, and carefree. It was wonderful.

After our trip to the park, it was time to find some dinner. We decided to go to Hugo's, well known for their burgers and crepes, located just off of the square in Fayetteville. When we arrived, we were fortunate to grab the last available table. Hugo's was hopping last night. It's a very popular spot. I ran into a Walton College peer who works in our External Relations office, one of our MBA students who graduated in 2008, and a current MBA student from France. That is what is great about this town. It is dynamic and many choose to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities; there is so much to do. Even while we enjoyed our burgers and my kids stuffed themselves with Grasshopper Crepes (crepes filled with mint ice cream & covered with homemade hot fudge sauce), people just kept pouring in. At Hugo's, you can get a burger for under $7 and those amazing crepes are only $5.50. Check out Hugo's at http://hugosfayetteville.com/.

Since Hugo's is located just off the square, after we ate entirely too much, we decided to walk around the square. The Fayetteville square is beautiful. The Old Post Office (OPO) sits in the center. Gardens surround the OPO so it is a wonderful place to stroll. Little paths meander and benches are tucked away strategically. As we discovered at the park and at Hugo's, others had the same idea that we had so there were several families and couples also enjoying the evening with a walk. I had a very nice night.

Of course when we got home I had to scrub the sand out of my son's hair but it was a small price to pay.

Busy Day in the Walton GSB

Today is going to be a busy one. In 5 minutes I have an Orientation meeting. Our first Orientation of the summer is on Thursday. We will have 5 total. After the meeting, I have a prospective student (considering MBA and Master of Arts in Economics) visiting from Missouri. His agenda looks like this:

10:00 - meet with me
10:30 - meet with Dr. Deck (MAEcon Coordinator)
11:00 - meet with Dr. Ellstrand (MBA Director)
11:30 - back with me for building and campus tour
12:30 - lunch with current MBA student, Stacy Carty - yes, Stacy is back from Ireland.

At 2:00, I have a web meeting to discuss a possible MBA America Tour. If this ends up happening, I'll be sure to include all of my visits on this blog. Immediately following this meeting, at 3:00, I am meeting with another prospective student (this one is for Master of Accountancy).

Since I am the recruiter for all of our programs, I am rarely bored. As evidenced by my schedule today, I can meet with a MAcc prospective student and then immediately meet with two more who are interested in MIS and MBA.

It is definitely ramping up. Don't forget that I may be in your neighborhood soon. If you want to visit us, just let me know.

G-Force at the drive-in

Like I mentioned on Friday, I was pretty sure that I would be seeing G-Force this weekend. On Saturday, we loaded up the family and headed to the drive-in. For those of you not familiar with the drive-in, it is a classic small town American tradition. Drive-ins are not common anymore and we are very lucky to have one here in Fayetteville. This is the way the drive-in works: you get snacks, a cooler full of drinks, lawn chairs, blankets, and load up in the car. For us, it's a truck. For this trip to the drive-in, it was me, my husband, my son, my daughter, her two friends, and a couple friend of ours (Jeff and Shila). We met Jeff and Shila at Sam's, right across the street from the drive-in. They pile into the back of the truck with their chairs and snacks and off we went. They also charge by the car load ($12) so it's a bargain. Our drive-in is always showing a double feature. We saw G-Force and The Proposal.

The drive-in is great for kids. There is a playground so before the movie starts, the kids took off to play. The grown ups set up the site. We back the truck in, lower the tail gate, and set up the lawn chairs. During the movie, the kids were in the back of the truck while the adults were sitting in the lawn chairs. Going to the drive-in is a fabulous thing to do in the summer. I highly recommend it.

Now, to tell you what I thought about the movies. G-Force was disappointing. Most of the cute, funny parts were revealed in the commercials. It actually lost the interest of my 5-year old son. He has seen all of the latest kid movies and he usually sits enthralled. He lost focus a couple of times during this one. After G-Force, I laid him down so he would go to sleep. I thought The Proposal was very cute. Sandra Bullock is great and it has some really funny parts. Betty White is hysterical. So, for me, G-Force gets a C and The Proposal gets a B+.

Next weekend we are going camping at Devil's Den, another tradition in this area. When I say camping, I mean I am staying in a cabin. I'll be sure to report on this experience next week.

Scheduling Fall Travel

It's that time of year again. I have begun staring at my big wall calendar, trying to figure out how I will make everything fit. Since I do this every year and somehow it all works out, I am not too worried about it. I just start filling things in and when it's full, it's full. Thus far I have registered to attend Career Fairs at Missouri State University, here-of course, Missouri Southern State University, Arkansas Tech University, University of Central Arkansas, University of the Ozarks, and Tulsa University. I will also go to the Engineering Expo here at the UofA.

My target areas are Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. I am still contemplating where I want to go this year. Each year, I regularly attend those fairs where turnout is good and interest in the Walton College is high. When I go to a fair that does not meet these criteria, I mark it off my list and try a different location next time.

I will be sure to post where I am going this semester so that you can stop by and say, "hi," if I am in your neighborhood.

On a side note, I am very glad that it is Friday. The weather has been absolutely wonderful here in Fayetteville. Nice and cool in the mornings, low 60s, and only in the mid to upper 80s in the afternoons. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend. I will probably end up going to see G-Force. My son, Jack, is already quoting the movie from the commercials. He is so excited. I would much rather see The Ugly Truth with Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler. Hello, Gerard Butler. I guess this one will have to wait because I don't think I'll be able hold my son off.

Summertime, Part 2

As promised, I am reporting my progress with my new data base. I had two goals for my help session yesterday. I wanted to learn how to export reports and how to set up an automated communications plan. Well, I did learn how to run my reports which is great. We got started on the email communications component but weren't able to get it all pounded out. At least I know where to start and I'll keep working on it. I really need to get this done before classes begin next month. Once the semester gets started, my focus will turn back to students. So, between now and August 24th, I need to conquer the mountain known as "Automated Communications Plans."

I should stress that when I said "my focus will turn back to students," I did not mean that students were not my number one priority over the summer. Students are ALWAYS my number one priority. Now that I have clarified that, summer is a great time to visit as long as you don't want to observe a class or meet with current students. If you want to tour campus, check out our facilities, and hang out with me, summer is the perfect time to do that.

There is one more project that I have been working on this summer that I forgot to mention. Walton GSB is going paperless. There will be no more paper folders; they will now be electronic. We began scanning all of our student files this summer. This has been a huge undertaking and we were very fortunate to have some MBA students helping us. It would have been very hard to get it all done without them.

In closing, I feel as though I would be remiss if I did not mention last night's, So You Think You Can Dance. I am talking about the summer after all, and I have said many times that one of my favorite parts of summer is, So You Think You Can Dance. Last night's episode had 2 amazing routines. For those of you not watching, it is now down to the final 8. Tonight is the 100th episode and they will be showcasing their best routines (several Emmy nominations and wins) and they will send home 2 more dancers. As summer is winding down, so is this. I should also share that I was able to have a wonderful discussion about the show at our MBA Summer Social. This conversation was actually with the wife of one of our new MMBA admits. After the series finale, I'll be happy to discuss the results with you too. It's great to know you are keeping up with the Walton GSB (and me) by reading this blog.

Summertime in GSB Admissions

Over the course of this summer I have tried to share with you what our MBA students have been doing (internships) and I have also told you what summer means to me in Northwest Arkansas. I just realized that I have neglected to keep you informed of what is going on in Graduate School of Business Admissions.

I have kept you apprised of admissions. Over the summer we are still working on admitting students to several programs: MBA, MMBA, MIS, and Professional MIS. We also get the occasional app for MAcc. But other than admissions, what am I doing? Well, let me tell you.

The summer for me is a time for projects - those big jobs that I just can't get to during the school year. In the fall, I am traveling quite a bit. In the spring, we are facing application deadlines and I am busy helping get files completed and to the Departments for review. Last summer I worked on revising all of our recruitment brochures and we began redesigning our website.

This summer my big project has been replacing my prospective student data base. This involved actually finding a system I wanted to use, purchasing said system, and then getting it set up. My background is in psychology and counseling. I am a people person. Like most people person, I relate to people much better than I do to computers. Now, don't get me wrong. I love my computer and I can just about get it to do anything I want. However, I am just a little bit technologically challenged. I realized, while trying to help with the new website, that the whole web development thing just wasn't for me. So, I definitely have my limitations.

I have to say that I am very proud of myself for what I have been able to get done with the new system. I am a visual learner - a VERY visual learner. Show me how to do something and I can pick it up right up. I have been on my own for this project so I have been a little out of my comfort zone. When you purchase a web based system, there is no tech support across the hall. I began by watching training videos and taking notes. Then I just jumped in and began doing it.

This system is used to save all prospective student information for the Walton's Graduate School of Business. I track all contacts with prospective students from initial contact through admission. I use this system to communicate with prospectives and to help them through the application process.

So, on my own I have been able to get my form set up and we began entering and storing new student info July 1. Now for part 2 and this is where I needed help. I am ready to set up automated communications. This is really exciting for me because my old system didn't do this. I have a peer on campus, Bryan Hill, who works in engineering. He has been using this system for years and he is a pro. He is going to spend the afternoon with me helping me get this next step put into place.

I am sure that this is not very exciting to you but it is thrilling for me. This will allow me to keep in touch with our prospective students much more effectively and efficiently. It's about time for Bryan to get here so I'd better get ready. Tomorrow I'll let you know how it went.

I wonder what I'll be doing next summer.

Walton MBA Admissions Update

I sent another stack of completed folders to committee yesterday. There are now 26 students, to date, expected to begin the Walton MBA in January. Our goal for this next class is 40-42. All tier one graduate assistantships (GA) have been awarded. There are 8 tier two GAs left. The tier two waives out of state tuition, provides a stipend of $2500 each semester, and a scholarship of $2500. So, students who receive this level of funding DO pay in state tuition and get $10,000 from us over the 3 semester program.

Our final application deadline is September 15 and late apps will be accepted. However, all funding will be awarded. There will be one more review before the application deadline. We will review folders again on August 3. If you are contemplating applying to the Walton MBA and you want a GA, I would recommend that you do so before July 31. I am not expecting to award all 8 GAs at the next review but I am anticipating having very few left for those who apply very near the deadline.

To summarize, we currently have 26 in our class and are expecting to admit 40-42. All fully funded GAs have been awarded. We have 8 partially funded GAs remaining. There will be one more review before the deadline and we will award more funding at that time. For the September 15th deadline, there will be very little funding remaining. Late applications (September 15th-November 30) will be accepted. Late applicants will need to be self-funded as all financial assistance will be awarded.

The Walton MMBA now has 51 students. Our goal is 55-60 to begin this fall. All apps must be completed by July 31. The final review will be August 3. Orientation is August 13-16 and is mandatory. Current students are employed at: Walmart, Rockline Industries, First Security Bank, Reckitt Benckiser, Universal Studios, Bayer, Unilever, Bank of America, Tyson, ConAgra, JB Hunt, Pfizer, Harps, Danaher Tool, Nestle Purina, Southwestern Energy, Garver Engineers, and many more.

If you'd like to be apart of this amazing program and are unable to apply by July 31st, you can start next year, August 2010. Application deadline is April 1 and as we did this year, we will accept applications throughout the summer.

Email gsb@walton.uark.edu with questions.

Walton MBA student, Stacy Carty, interns in Ireland

One of our MBA students, Stacy Carty, is finishing up her summer internship in Dublin, Ireland this week. Read about her experiences on her blog at: http://stacycarty.blogspot.com/. Believe it or not, she just ran into some other people from the University of Arkansas in Edinburgh, Scotland. Razorbacks are everywhere. She'll be back this week so she'll have a few weeks to get settled back in before the fall semester kicks off on Monday, August 24.

She was the first Walton MBA student for this International internship experience. A Walton MBA student will be selected each year for this opportunity. If you will be beginning our MBA in January, you will be able to apply for this program.

University of Arkansas and Arizona State University Work with Walmart on Developing Sustainable Product Index for Consumer Products

For the complete story, go to: http://dailyheadlines.uark.edu/15347.htm.

If you are passionate about sustainability, the Walton MBA may be a good fit for you. We have had MBA students on graduate assistantship placed at our Applied Sustainability Center for the last 2 years.

Here is more detailed information about sustainability at the University and within Walton.

The University of Arkansas is at the forefront of research that looks at how retail commerce can be made more affordable and sustainable. From RFID research to transportation logistics, the university’s work contributes to cost savings, waste reduction and long-term sustainability. Visit the university’s sustainability Web site here: http://sustainability.uark.edu/.

The Applied Sustainability Center at the University of Arkansas leads organizations in the retail and consumer goods industries toward sustainable practices that support an economy built around people, planet and profit. This is accomplished by solving complex problems, providing expert guidance, brokering problems and solutions, and by sponsoring research. The center is part of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and serves multiple disciplines across campus. For more information about the Applied Sustainability Center, visit: http://asc.uark.edu.

MBA application deadline is September 15. The Walton MBA is a 3-semester program that begins in January. Students choose a career track from retail marketing, supply chain management, entrepreneurship, and finance. For those interested in sustainability, there is some flexibility regarding the tracks. Students will be able to incorporate classes into their curriculum that are of interest to them and that will meet their future goals (sustainability, accounting, ERP, etc.).

Email questions to gsb.uark.edu. Be sure to follow me on twitter-@waltonmba.

Detour Ahead

I have shared what our MBA students do over the summer and I thought I should tell you what summer in Fayetteville means to me. So, I am veering off the GSB path and taking a detour today. Come along for the ride.

I LOVE spring, it's my favorite time of the year. I used to LOVE summer but the older I get, the less I like the really hot weather. However, I do still like summer a whole lot. For me, spring is when everything wakes back up again. The weather is wonderful, the sun is shining, and even though I am not in school myself anymore, I still get that feeling that summer is right around the corner and classes are almost over. I guess it's because I work on a college campus. There is just something in the air in the spring here in Fayetteville.

Once summer really begins, I find that my attitude changes. I am more likely to sit on a patio with a cold drink in the evening, enjoying friends and family. Fayetteville is an amazing live music venue. It is very easy to stroll along Dickson Street on a balmy evening and hear music pouring out from many different directions. Patios are also commonplace. The bikes (the motorized and the non-motorized) come out of storage and you see people walking and riding bikes everywhere.

The Farmers' Market is a local tradition. My kids love going to the Fayetteville Square on Saturday mornings during the summer. If you don't get there early, you miss all the good stuff. Local farmers and artisans sell their wares on the Square on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings during the summer. It is a very popular destination on a Saturday morning. Kids, dogs, and grownups go and have a wonderful time.

I can't talk about the summer without mentioning Rick's Bakery. I have talked about Rick's before. It's where I took my son on his birthday and let him have a cupcake for breakfast. Hey, you only turn 5 once. It's a real treat for both of my kids to go to Rick's on a Saturday morning. It is a treat for many others too because Rick's on a Saturday morning is a happening place. They have the most amazing baked goods, including: donuts, muffins, cookies, petite fours, brownies, and they are very well known for their cakes.

Summer in this area means water. The lakes and rivers are popular hang outs. For those of us with kids, there are also some great pools nearby. I like to take my kids to the water park in Prairie Grove. It's only a few minutes away and if I take them during the week (which means I take an afternoon off), it's not crowded. This little park has 2 water slides, a pool, and a kiddie pool.

So, what does summer in Fayetteville mean to me. It means sitting on a patio listening to music, hanging out at the lake or river, taking my kids to the Farmer's Market and Rick's Bakery on Saturdays and to the pool as much as possible.

I would be remiss if I didn't also say that we have wonderful shopping and food, too. Believe me, when I am sitting on that patio, I am definitely eating.

If this sounds like a good time to you, you need to come visit us. The Walton College offers 6 master's degrees and 6 PhDs and we are located in a wonderful community.

ERPsim Competition

The University of Arkansas team placed 3rd at the 3rd Annual International ERPsim Competition. From a field that originally consisted of 41 teams, that's impressive! The winning team was comprised of four students in the Professional MIS and ERP Certificate programs.

Applications for the Professional MIS and BI Certificate programs are still coming in, and we're almost down to the wire for late applications. We are still receiving some applications for the full-time MIS program as well, but have been out of graduate assistantships for months - if any become available, we have a fairly long waiting list of very qualified applicants at this point.

At this time, we are expecting 24 new MIS students to begin in the fall. There have been a few late admits so that number could climb to as high as 30.

We will accept applications for the Professional MIS and BI Certificate program through July 31. Be sure to get everything submitted by this date.

Orientation is August 10 for both programs (MIS and Professional MIS).

To learn more about the BI or EPR certifications, visit: http://gsb.uark.edu/certificates.asp and to find out more about the full-time and part-time MIS, go to: http://gsb.uark.edu/mis.asp.

Upcoming Orientation Dates

The Walton GSB is about to become very busy. Okay, we are always busy and it's about to get busier. This is what will be going on with us over the next few weeks.

July 30 - Orientation for Master of Arts in Economics, PhD Accounting, PhD Finance, and PhD Economics.

August 3-21 - Math class for those programs just mentioned.

August 10 - Orientation for Master of Information Systems and Professional MIS.

August 13-16 - Orientation for Managerial MBA (MMBA)

August 18-19 - Orientation for Master of Accountancy

August 20 - Orientation for PhD Information Systems, PhD Management, and PhD Marketing

August 24 - Classes begin

August 29 - First class of fall semester for MMBA.

In September I will be, as Willie says, on the road again. It'll be time to start recruiting for fall 2010 and I'll be finishing up the MBA class that will be beginning in January. Good times.

Nothing like a Monday

Especially if you have been out of the office for several days. I think I have about got my head back above water.

I want to report that our event last Friday was a huge success. Dr. Ellstrand, MBA Director, and I began with an MBA Open House. Immediately following the Open House was our 2nd annual Summer Social. This year we held the Social off campus at a popular restaurant in Fayetteville, Powerhouse Seafood and Grill. We had over 100 guests in attendance at Powerhouse. We all enjoyed great food and great company.

Current MBA students were there to touch base over the summer. These students are not in class right now; they are interning. Saturday was the last face-to-face class for our graduating MMBA students. They are now finished and hopefully we can get them to come back and visit us occasionally (at future Socials). Alums of the full-time program also came to enjoy the company and touch base with each other.

Several newly admitted students in both programs were there as well. This Social gives these students a chance to meet each other before their classes begin. It makes those first day jitters much easier to handle.

Last, but not least, Walton College faculty were there to meet students. This was our second year to do the MBA Summer Open House and Social and it has been such a success that we will hold similar events in the fall and spring. The next Open House and Social will be Friday, October 23 and it will be for all programs.

If you are interested in the Walton College's Master of Accountancy, Master of Arts in Economics, MBA, or Master of Information Systems, watch for more details about this opportunity to visit us and learn more about our programs.

On a personal note, I picked my daughter, Zoey, up from camp Saturday morning. She had been gone for 2 weeks. That was 2 weeks without a text or a phone call. We actually had to communicate the old fashioned way - we wrote letters. I am glad to have her home. Two weeks is a long time. It's hard on mom. The hard part for her was being without her phone for that long. I think she probably missed us a little but not as much as she missed her electronic devices.

Classes begin in just 6 short weeks. The summer will be over before we know it.

There must be something in the air

Okay, as you know, I am out of the office this week. Can't you tell? I am blogging and answering email BUT I am NOT in the office. So I was there for a short time yesterday. I just can't stay away.

Anyway, you also know we are accepting MMBA (our part-time MBA) applications through July 31 - 3 very short weeks away. For some reason, we have been getting a very large number of inquiries about this program in the last few days.

What you need to know - we will accept COMPLETED apps through July 31. COMPLETED means all application materials are submitted. For a complete list and explanation, visit: gsb.uark.edu/admissions.asp. We need: application, fee (both can be done at gsb.uark.edu), resume and essays (can be emailed to gsb@walton.uark.edu), 3 letters of recommendation (you can direct your writers to our website and they can download the form and then either fax or email them back to us), official transcripts (we will accept a fax until the official reaches us), and the GMAT or GRE.

Orientation is August 13-16 and is mandatory and the first face-to-face is August 29. Remember that this program is completed in just 2 years by taking 6 hours a semester for 6 semesters and only being in class one Saturday each month. A complete class schedule can also be found on the website.

We have currently admitted 47 and we hope to admit 55-60. The last two classes were 58 strong and if we hit that, it would be grand.

Final reminder, Open House will be tomorrow at 5:30 in 403 Willard J. Walker Hall followed immediately by the MBA Summer Social at Powerhouse (just off Dickson on University) 6-8. This is really a great chance to learn more about the programs (both full and part-time) and meet Dr. Ellstrand, MBA Director and ME (we all know that would be the highlight). The Social gives you a truly, realistic glimpse of our current students and faculty. We will hold a similar event during the fall and spring semesters also. It should be a lot of fun.

In the future, I hope to be able to broadcast live the Open House. This way you can watch it from anywhere you can get an internet connection.

I will keep you posted on future opportunities. If at anytime you wish to schedule a campus visit, I would be happy to arrange this for you. Email gsb@walton.uark.edu if you'd like to visit us.

Fate, bizarre coincidences, and the kindness of strangers

I am not in the office this week but I had to share my 4th of July story with you. The University was closed last Friday, the 3rd, and I left for Austin with my husband, son, and dog at 4:00 pm to spend the holiday weekend with friends. Well, needless to say, things didn't go exactly as planned.

Two hours outside of Fayetteville, just outside of Checotah, OK, our vehicle broke down. So, we are standing on the side of the rode - me, my 5-year-old son, Jack, and our German Shepherd, Skylar while my husband attempts to figure out the problem. Let me say that in July on the side of the road in Oklahoma, IT IS HOT. Thank goodness we did have water and snacks.

To make a long story short, we were there over an hour and I must say the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) was quick. During our adventure, two different troopers stopped to make sure we were okay and also two Good Samaritans stopped.

The second Good Samaritan (GS) went way above and beyond. This is where the "bizarre coincidences" part of the story comes in. Now remember, we are in Oklahoma. The second GS who stopped to help has two daughters who go to the University of Arkansas (UofA). I am standing there in a UofA shirt. The odds of us breaking down in OK and having the person who stops to help us be connected in any way to where I work in AR, I figure are pretty slim. So, this GS happens to live very near where we are stranded. Remember, we have a small child and a dog with us. He loads us up in his truck, takes us to his house (where I was able to meet his daughters), and takes my husband in to town for a new battery (we thought that was the problem, but no such luck).

Another thing you need to remember is that it is late Friday night on a holiday weekend. Once they figured out it wasn't the battery, the GS and his wife are calling around trying to find us a hotel or motel room or a rental car that we can drive back home. There was not a room or a car to be found. By this time it is getting late. My husband's brother is going to come and get us when the GS does something that I find truly unbelievable. He offers us the use of one of their vehicles to drive back to Fayetteville. Since it is now 10:00 and we are all hot, sweaty, hungry, and tired, we accept his offer.

By the time we got back home, after seeing our vehicle towed to the Chevy dealership in Checotah, and unloading what we needed from it, it is 1:00 AM. This is the time we should have been reaching Austin. Saturday morning we got up and took the car back to the GS. Our vehicle is now fixed and we will need to make a 3rd trip back to Checotah to pick it up. It ended up being a broken cable to the computer (everything just shut down).

My son was so upset. Our friends have a pool and he was so excited to be going to Texas for the holiday weekend. After this little adventure, I decided I did need to find something for him to do so that he could have a little fun. I ended up going back to OK to visit family and friends on Sunday and we just got back yesterday.

Isn't this crazy? I have definitely been reminded about the kindness of strangers. This was a stressful, traumatic experience but so many positives came from it too.

I'll be back in the office on Monday and we'll get back to business then. Don't forget about the Open House and Social on Friday. Email gsb@walton.uark.edu with any questions.

More MBA admits

Over the summer, we are doing monthly reviews of completed applications for our MBA and MMBA. We've added 2 more to our MBA class bringing our total number to 24. Final application deadline is September 15. We will do one more review before the deadline on August 3. All fully funded graduate assistantships have been awarded. The average GMAT of these 24 students is 645, average GPA is about 3.3, and they average over 4 years of work experience. Our goal is to start a class of 40-45 in January.

We've added 10 more students to the MMBA class that will begin in August bringing that class up to 46. We will continue to accept applications through July 31 and will have the final committee meeting on August 3. Orientation is August 13-16 and is mandatory. Goal for this group is 50-55.

The Walton Summer MBA Open House and Social is next Friday, July 10. This is a great time to come see our facilities and to meet our MBA Director, Dr. Alan Ellstrand. The Open House is at 5:30 in 403 Willard J. Walker Hall and the Social is 6-8 at Powerhouse. Immediately after the Open House we will join the Social. Marion and Deb will have it in full swing by then. The Social gives prospective students a chance to meet current MBA students and to see how the group interacts. You'll get a good "feel" for the programs. If you plan to attend either or both events and haven't RSVP'ed yet, please send an email to gsb@walton.uark.edu. I hope to see you there.

The University is closed tomorrow and I will be out of the office next week for some much needed rest and relaxation. I'll try to update the blog a couple of time while I am out.

If you love sports and want to get a master's or PhD...

The University of Arkansas finished 25th in the 2008-09 United States Sports Academy’s Directors’ Cup standings, it was announced Monday.

The Directors’ Cup is presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the United States Sports Academy, and USA Today to the best overall collegiate athletics programs in the country and this year’s standings were announced following the conclusion of the 2009 College World Series when final results were tallied.

For more information about the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, visit their website at: http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/.

It is important to note that the Hogs are HUGE in Arkansas. I am from Oklahoma and in Oklahoma, there are two teams (they will remain nameless in this blog). In Arkansas, there is only one college team and no professional teams. This means the entire state gets behind the Hogs. The University of Arkansas offers a great Collegiate sports experience for students and the 24th ranked public school of business in the nation - the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

So...if you love college sports and want that experience while you go to grad school, the University of Arkansas should be on your short list.