Walton MBA/MMBA Class Profiles

Where do we stand as of right now? I say, "right now," because it literally changes by the minute.

For MBA, we have made 28 offers of admission and 24 have accepted our offer. One student never responded to our offer so I assume he is not accepting. This is a very high positive response which makes me very happy. These 24 students have an average GMAT score of 662. The last three classes to enroll have had an average of 630, 628, 629, respectively. The enrollment goal of the Walton MBA for the class to begin January 2011 is 40. Of the 24 students who have accepted our offer, 12 are women. This also makes me very happy. If you have been reading Alana's blog, you know why. Final application deadline is September 15. All funding has been awarded. If you need funding, apply by April 1, 2011 for the class that will begin January 2012.

For the Walton MMBA, 50 offers of admission have been made. Two offers were made very recently and we have yet to hear their response. Other than these two, 45 have accepted. This is the program that is experiencing daily changes. Orientation is August 5-8 and is mandatory. We are looking for 8-10 more students; applications are still coming in and prospective students are frantically trying to complete the application process by July 30. That is the absolute final date applications will be accepted for this fall.

An example of how quickly things can happen , I chatted (live chat function at http://gsb.uark.edu/) this morning with a student who is currently in Arizona. He had planed to attend another MBA program this fall. However, he is coming for an interview with Walmart this week. He asked about starting the Walton MMBA instead. It's an incredibly exciting time right now as we come down to the wire. I am optimistic that we'll meet our enrollment goals. There is nothing like cutting it close. Hey, it keeps me on my toes.

I will take another batch of files to the admissions committee either at the end of this week or early next week. I have a few students nearly finished with the application process and I want to be sure and take as many completed files as possible. Stay tuned for future MMBA class updates.

What a Tremendous Success

I am happy, happy, happy. Our events last Friday were tremendously successful. We began the evening with an MBA Open House. The weather was not cooperating and there was some concern about attendance. Apparently the rain can't keep you away because we had nearly 30 in attendance. It was a great group. See for yourselves.

Our Third Annual MBA Summer Social was held at Powerhouse Seafood in conjunction with the Open House. Newly admitted, current, and former Walton MBA students got the Social kicked off. When we were finished with the Open House, prospective students joined them. Several MBA faculty were also in attendance. Nearly 90 signed the guest book.

I am thrilled by the turnout and the success of the events. The next opportunity will be in October and it will be for all master's degree programs. Stay tuned for more details later.

On a personal note, I picked my daughter up from camp on Saturday. She was gone for two weeks. I was very glad to see her. She and I then went to see Eclipse that afternoon and then she, Jack, and I saw Despicable Me yesterday. Both were good and it was time well spent. All in all, a great weekend.

Big Day Tomorrow

Tomorrow night, Friday, July 9 is going to be jam packed with fun, fun, fun. The Walton Graduate School of Business is hosting an MBA Open House at 5:30 in 403 Willard J. Walker Hall. This event is for prospective students who would like more information about the Walton MBA programs (both full and part-time). Students are able to meet the MBA Director (and me, I know, big bonus) and see our world-class facilities.

Following the Open House, we are hosting our Third Annual MBA Summer Social, 6:00-8:00 at Powerhouse. This event is for prospective, new, current, and former Walton MBA students and faculty. Those attending the Open House will join the Social, already in progress. For prospective students, the Social provides an amazing opportunity to meet current students, faculty, and to get a "feel" for the Walton MBA experience. New students are able to meet and form bonds with classmates before classes begin.

These events are very popular and well attended. They provide a unique insight into Walton, its programs, and students. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity. The next Open House and Social will be held in October.

Final Look at the Success of Walton Business Plan Teams

I am using the word, "final," very loosely. I may or may not have anything more to say. It will depend on their continued success. For a summary of this year's amazing teams, read the following articles:

http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aID=122677.54928.134815&cID=6&view=all

http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aID=122472

http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aID=122446&view=all

As I read these articles, I shake my head in wonder. I am blown away. Great work Carol, BiologicsMD, InnerVision, and Silicon Solar Solutions!

Busy Week

This is a short but busy week for us in the office; the University of Arkansas was closed yesterday in observance of 4th of July. Tomorrow I will be participating in the Education Fair at JB Hunt, 11:00-1:00. Then on Friday at 5:30 we are hosting an MBA Open House in 403 Willard J. Walker Hall. This event is followed by our Third Annual MBA Summer Social at 6:00 at Powerhouse. Prospective students (those not admitted) who are interested in learning more about the Walton MBA should attend the Open House. The Open House will end around 6:30 and we will then join the Social, already in progress. The Social is for prospective, new, current, and former Walton MBA students as well as our faculty. The Social is a great chance for our alumni to keep in touch, current students to check in over the summer, and for our new students to meet their classmates. It also gives prospective students an opportunity to talk to current students and meet faculty. This is a very popular event that we host three times (spring, summer, fall) a year. If you miss this one, your next chance will be in October.

For an in-depth look into the life of an MBA...

If you want to know exactly what it is like to be a Walton MBA student doing an internship over the summer, Alana Hale's blog is a must read. Visit it at: http://mbagirlsguide.blogspot.com/. Alana provides wonderful detail into the daily life of a summer intern. Check it out.

MBA/MMBA Admissions Update

It is nearing the home stretch for MMBA admissions. Official application deadline was April 1. We accept applications throughout the summer as space is available. We are currently expecting 44 students for the Walton Managerial MBA to begin in August. I am working with several students who are finishing the application process this month. Our goal is to enroll 55-60. Completed applications for this program are down this year. This is due to several factors. Among them is the fear of committing to a two year program during this current economic climate. Also, many employers have changed or discontinued their tuition assistance program. I am hoping we are able to admit 10-12 more this month. No pressure.

For the full-time MBA, admission was offered to 27 students in April. Twenty three students accepted our offer. Average GMAT for this class is currently 662. I anticipate this number will go down somewhat when we admit the rest of our class. For the last three years, the average has been right at 630. The goal for the MBA class that will begin in January is to admit 20 more students with hopes of having a class of 40. Final deadline is September 15.

If you are interested in the Walton MBA and need funding, apply by April 1, 2011 for the class that will begin in January 2012.

The 4th of July is right around the corner. The University is closed on Monday in observance and many will make it a four day weekend by either taking tomorrow or Tuesday off. I will be here since others in the office will be out. Northwest Arkansas is absolutely beautiful right now. Temperatures aren't too bad today. It was only 80 degrees when I was out for lunch. Have a wonderful holiday weekend.