Mark Funk - News - UA 糖心视频logo /news/tag/mark-funk/ UA 糖心视频logo Thu, 21 May 2026 14:05:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 UA 糖心视频logo School of Business Golf Tournament Raises More Than $88,000 for Student Support /news/2026/05/20/ua-little-rock-school-of-business-golf-tournament-raises-more-than-88000-for-student-support/ Wed, 20 May 2026 15:37:10 +0000 /news/?p=94196 The UA 糖心视频logo School of Business celebrated the success of its 15th annual golf tournament on May 18 at Pleasant Valley Country Club, raising more than $88,800 in gifts ... UA 糖心视频logo School of Business Golf Tournament Raises More Than $88,000 for Student Support

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The UA 糖心视频logo School of Business celebrated the success of its 15th annual golf tournament on May 18 at Pleasant Valley Country Club, raising more than $88,800 in gifts and sponsorship support to benefit student success initiatives.

The double shotgun scramble featured 39 teams and brought together business leaders, alumni, faculty, students, and community supporters from across Central Arkansas for a day focused on investing in the next generation of business professionals.

During the morning wave, the First Flight championship team included Hayden Lassiter, Adam Burton, Tristan Talbert, and Woody Harrelson with a score of 55. William Pollock, Richard Blank, John Murphy, and Shea McCarty finished second in the First Flight with a score of 57.

In the morning wave鈥檚 Second Flight, Aaron Huntley, Cody Waits, Zach Brown, and Jeff Whitener earned first place with a score of 64, while Ken Estes, Bill Birch, Steve Hillis, and Richard Rogers placed second with a score of 65.

Special contest winners during the morning wave included John Moran for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Zach Brown for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Toppie Hogan for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

During the afternoon wave, Ben Bailey, Beau Glover, Ben Cox, and Zack Sokora captured first place in the First Flight with a score of 54. Trey Schaap, Jamie Cobb, Joe Kleine, and Carson Roberts followed closely in second place with a score of 55.

In the afternoon wave鈥檚 Second Flight, Blake Edwards, Adam Hope, John Edwards, and Chance Tharp claimed first place with a score of 63. Rodney Peel, Randy Southerland, Joe Buffington, and Courtney Little finished second with a score of 65.

Afternoon special contest winners included Trey Schaap for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Ryan Crews for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Austin Harmon for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

Proceeds from the tournament support a variety of student-centered initiatives within the School of Business, including emergency scholarships, participation in regional and national competitions, and the School鈥檚 Ambassador Program.

鈥淲e are grateful for the individuals and companies who sponsored the tournament or a team in support of our students in the School of Business,鈥 said Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business at UA 糖心视频logo. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud that the business community realizes and appreciates the importance of the work that takes place in our classrooms. Our students are their future employees and leaders, so we are thankful for this collaboration.鈥

The event provided valuable networking opportunities for students involved in the School of Business Ambassador Program. Throughout the tournament, students connected with business leaders from across the region, building relationships that can lead to internships, mentorships, and future career opportunities.

Saracen served as the presenting sponsor for the event.

Additional sponsors included:

  • Golf Ball Sponsor: Pettus Interiors
  • Golf Cart Sponsors: Priority1 and Good Day Farm
  • Contest Sponsors: Legacy Termite & Pest Control; Paul Rainwater/Rye 51; Ted Bailey, III Family; Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull Law Firm
  • Practice Area Sponsors: Arvest; Ifrah Financial; TMB Capital Partners
  • Bar Sponsor: Tito鈥檚
  • Hole and Team Sponsors: Segra, AEDI, MK Distributors, DDK Forestry, USAble Life
  • Beverage Cart Sponsors: Delta Solar, Apartment Hunters, First Horizon, Haybar Real Estate, Hosto Cardis Law

Additional support was provided through gifts in kind, including breakfast from Chick-fil-A on Markham and University; lunch from Taziki鈥檚/ JTJ Restaurants; and product donations from Pepsi, MK Distributors and Golden Eagle of Arkansas.

鈥淭his tournament is a wonderful example of our community investing directly in our students 鈥 not just through scholarships and program support, but through the relationships that lead to internships and careers,鈥 Dean Ginger Gummelt said. 鈥淲e are grateful to every sponsor who makes this possible.鈥

The UA 糖心视频logo School of Business hosts the annual tournament as part of its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities that prepare students for success in the workforce while strengthening connections with the business community.

Learn more about the UA 糖心视频logo School of Business.

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UA 糖心视频logo Celebrates Transformative $1.5 Million Gift Honoring Pat Wilson /news/2025/02/11/pat-wilson-business-fund/ Tue, 11 Feb 2025 19:43:14 +0000 /news/?p=89046 The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo has announced a transformative $1.5 million gift made in memory of the late Pat Wilson during a special event on Feb. 11. Wilson鈥檚 ... UA 糖心视频logo Celebrates Transformative $1.5 Million Gift Honoring Pat Wilson

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The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo has announced a transformative $1.5 million gift made in memory of the late Pat Wilson during a special event on Feb. 11.

Wilson鈥檚 daughter, Kathy Wilson Roberts, made the generous donation to establish the Kenneth Pat Wilson Endowment for Innovative Business Programs in the UA 糖心视频logo School of Business. This gift marks the third largest gift ever made to the School of Business.

The newly established endowment will serve as a catalyst for business innovation and a driver of meaningful societal impact. It will provide funding for business faculty and staff who develop innovative business education and learning experiences for UA 糖心视频logo students and the broader community. Additionally, the endowment will support faculty members who apply their business expertise to address pressing challenges faced by businesses and communities.

鈥淭his moment represents the essence of what UA 糖心视频logo stands for: empowering students, supporting our community, and driving innovation,鈥 Chancellor Christina S Drale said. 鈥淜athy Wilson Roberts鈥 gift comes at a pivotal time for our university, as we work to set the foundation for the next 100 years of academic excellence and community impact.鈥

The $1.5 million endowment aligns with UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Centennial Campaign, which has raised more than $210 million toward advancing education in Arkansas. Chancellor Drale emphasized that a cornerstone of this campaign is expanding program excellence, ensuring faculty and students have the resources needed to innovate, inspire, and transform lives.

鈥淧at Wilson was more than a successful businessman,鈥 Chancellor Drale said. 鈥淗e was a true visionary who understood the importance of education in shaping individuals and communities. Through his leadership, generosity, and forward-thinking spirit, he left an indelible mark on this state.鈥

Pat Wilson, a Jacksonville native, built a lasting legacy of entrepreneurship, education, and community service. His career journey was a prime example of hard work and vision. Starting as a dishwasher making 25 cents an hour, he put himself through college, later serving as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon returning to Arkansas, he played a pivotal role in shaping Jacksonville鈥檚 business landscape. He founded Jacksonville State Bank, now First Arkansas Bank and Trust, and was instrumental in securing funding and land for the construction of 糖心视频logo Air Force Base.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not often that we have the privilege of celebrating someone whose life鈥檚 work has touched so many aspects of our community and state,鈥 Provost Ann Bain said. 鈥淧at Wilson was a pioneer, a leader, and above all, a person who saw potential where others may have seen obstacles. Pat鈥檚 visionary efforts have shaped the region we know today. He founded businesses in multiple industries, advised aspiring leaders, and championed education.鈥

The UA 糖心视频logo School of Business already houses the Kenneth Pat Wilson Center for Economic Education, which reflects his enduring passion for finance, economics, and student success. The new endowment will further strengthen the university鈥檚 role in fostering business innovation and industry collaboration.

Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business, highlighted the significance of the endowment in shaping the future of business education at UA 糖心视频logo.

鈥淭he Kenneth Pat Wilson Endowment will fuel the same spirit of ingenuity and community building that defined Pat Wilson鈥檚 life,鈥 Funk said. 鈥淭his gift will empower faculty to develop innovative programs that meet the evolving needs of our economy while honoring the values that shaped Pat鈥檚 career.鈥

During the ceremony, a commemorative photograph of Pat Wilson was unveiled and will be displayed in the School of Business to ensure that future business students are inspired by Wilson鈥檚 legacy. Beneath it, a plaque reads:

鈥淭he UA 糖心视频logo School of Business gratefully recognizes the lifelong contributions of Pat Wilson to business and education in Arkansas. The Kenneth Pat Wilson Endowment for Innovative Business Programs, established by his daughter, Kathy Wilson Roberts, and her husband, Bobby Roberts, continues his legacy today.鈥

UA 糖心视频logo Chancellor Christina Drale, left, Kathy Wilson Roberts, center, and Dr. Mark Funk, right, director of the School of Business, unveil a portrait of the late Pat Wilson at the Reynolds Business Center. Photo by Benjamin Krain.
UA 糖心视频logo Chancellor Christina Drale, left, Kathy Wilson Roberts, center, and Dr. Mark Funk, right, director of the School of Business, unveil a portrait of the late Pat Wilson in the School of Business. Photo by Benjamin Krain.

Wilson Roberts, a double alumna of UA 糖心视频logo, also spoke at the event, reflecting on her father鈥檚 influence and the importance of continuing his work through education and innovation.

鈥淢y dad was a successful businessman who cared deeply for his community and for central Arkansas,鈥 she said. 鈥淭o him, education was the key, and he held that standard high in our family. To honor him with this endowment reflects my respect for his lifelong efforts to make a difference. It is only because of his efforts that I am able to make this gift.鈥

Funk concluded the event by expressing gratitude to Roberts for her commitment to furthering her father鈥檚 legacy.

鈥淥n behalf of UA 糖心视频logo, our faculty, and our students, we thank you for entrusting us with this gift and for giving us the opportunity to carry forward the work your father so passionately began,鈥 he said.

The event marked a historic moment for UA 糖心视频logo, reinforcing its mission to drive innovation, economic growth, and positive change for future generations of business leaders.

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UA 糖心视频logo Earns Accolades for Health and Wellness, Economics Programs /news/2024/04/15/wellness-economics/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:00:48 +0000 https://ualrprd.wpengine.com/news/?p=86601 The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo鈥檚 undergraduate programs in health and wellness and economics have been recognized as some of the best in the country by University HQ. University ... UA 糖心视频logo Earns Accolades for Health and Wellness, Economics Programs

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The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo鈥檚 undergraduate programs in health and wellness and economics have been recognized as some of the best in the country by University HQ.

University HQ is an online resource for students to find top-rated colleges, scholarships, and potential salaries for their career choices. The site provides information on colleges, entrance requirements and career paths, as well as providing career guides.

University HQ ranked UA 糖心视频logo ninth in its . The online Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion is designed to prepare students as well as health professionals in community health agencies, health maintenance organizations, as well as business and industry wellness programs.

鈥淚 am extremely pleased that the hard work of all the faculty members in this program is recognized via this ranking,鈥 said Dr. Amar Kanekar, professor and graduate coordinator of health education and promotion. 鈥淭here is a great potential for graduates of this degree to work in diverse fields in health and wellness, and this degree prepares students to work as community health workers, hospital and healthcare managers, as well as health education specialists in diverse areas such as school, community, and workplace health promotion. They are eligible to attain certified health education specialist certification from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.鈥

Additionally, University HQ ranked UA 糖心视频logo in its . The School of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics degrees. Courses in economics help students develop logical thinking skills, understanding of applied statistical analysis, and communication abilities, all while preparing students for careers in industry, finance, or government as well as for graduate study in law, business, economics, and public policy.

鈥淲e work with the School of Business and our donors to provide generous scholarship opportunities to our economics students, but our emphasis is on offering students a high-quality educational experience,鈥 said Dr. Mark Funk, chair of the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance. 鈥淥ur program provides students the opportunity to apply their classroom economics to the real world, with community projects embedded into our capstone and internship opportunities with local firms and organizations. We host networking opportunities for students to engage with alumni, firms, and government officials. These experiences help students make the connections to build successful careers.鈥

University HQ uses data collected from , , the and to formulate its rankings, giving weight to the following factors: academics, graduate outcomes, affordability, and reputation and expert opinion.

“Ranking colleges is a process designed to facilitate one of a student’s most important decisions,” said Julia Griebel of University HQ. “While there are many solid numbers we can use and rely on, our goal is to present a fact-based picture of the colleges we rank. This is so we can help students make their best decision for college. Figures like admission rates can help students with reasonable expectations for admission, and retention rates can help them envision how their fellow students value the education they receive. Ultimately, we strive to present an objective and unbiased view of colleges so that students can set reasonable expectations, discover outstanding schools, and embark on a path toward their best lives.鈥

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Former HR Professional Graduates from UA 糖心视频logo MBA Program, Begins Student Success Role /news/2024/02/27/success-role/ Tue, 27 Feb 2024 13:52:25 +0000 https://ualrprd.wpengine.com/news/?p=86770 Mahesh Thombre had long held the goal of acquiring his Master of Business Administration (MBA). This past December, this dream became a reality for Thombre when he graduated from UA ... Former HR Professional Graduates from UA 糖心视频logo MBA Program, Begins Student Success Role

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Mahesh Thombre had long held the goal of acquiring his Master of Business Administration (MBA). This past December, this dream became a reality for Thombre when he graduated from UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 MBA program.

Before beginning his MBA, Thombre had a successful career in human resources (HR), which included serving in the Air Force in India in HR, as well as working as a human resources director in the corporate sector. Thombre was drawn to the field of HR by his empathy for others and desire to empower people to do great things.

鈥淚 believe that my internal desire to help people in whatever small way possible is what started me in the field,鈥 said Thombre. 鈥淚 realized that human connection is at the core of everything we do, and that even with limited resources, we can empower others to achieve impossible feats.鈥

Thombre, despite having already earned his master鈥檚 in personnel management, decided that the next step in his journey was to go back to school and earn his MBA with a concentration in HR. The COVID-19 pandemic provided him with the push he needed to pursue this dream, and Thombre realized that if he kept postponing his dream, he may never achieve it.

鈥淚 quit my job to become a full-time student at UA 糖心视频logo,鈥 said Thombre. 鈥淚t was a difficult choice to make; leaving behind a stable life to become a full-time student was really nerve-wracking. I had moments of self doubt starting this journey. However, with the support and encouragement from the UA 糖心视频logo faculty and staff, I could successfully navigate my academic journey.鈥

Thombre highlighted the instrumental role that UA 糖心视频logo faculty and staff played in his success. Student Support Services (SSS) and the School of Business were particularly helpful to him as he navigated this new territory.

鈥淚 got the full support from the excellent faculty and staff. I would like to especially thank Dr. Mark Funk, Dr. Robert Mitchell, and all other faculties who were so supportive and encouraging of my decision to pursue the MBA program. I would also like to thank Dr. David Montague, Dr. Desarae Nelson, and Marty Mayfield from SSS who were constant support in my studies and work.鈥

During his time in school, Thombre served as a graduate assistant in SSS at UA 糖心视频logo. Gradually, he came to realize his passion for motivating and encouraging students. Thombre chose to continue his work with SSS and started in his new position of success coordinator in January 2024.

鈥淚n SSS, I get to connect with diverse demographics of students which I really like. The program supports first-generation and economically underprivileged students in realizing their dreams of acquiring a university degree,鈥 Thombre said. 鈥淲hile working as a graduate assistant, I realized that I love to interact and motivate students in pursuit of furthering their education.鈥

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UA 糖心视频logo Student Awarded Real Estate Scholarship /news/2023/12/19/real-estate/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 14:15:51 +0000 https://ualrprd.wpengine.com/news/?p=86231 Lamar Townsend, a senior political science and finance-real estate double major at the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo, is one of six students nationwide who was awarded a prestigious ... UA 糖心视频logo Student Awarded Real Estate Scholarship

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Lamar Townsend, a senior political science and finance-real estate double major at the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo, is one of six students nationwide who was awarded a prestigious national scholarship through the Real Estate Education Scholars Program from the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation.

The was started in 2015 with the aim of providing undergraduate and graduate students valuable experience in real estate to launch their careers. Students are nominated for the scholarship by their university and are selected by a panel of judges.

鈥淲hen I found out I had won the scholarship, I was really excited, shocked, and humbled,鈥 said Townsend. 鈥淭his big foundation in a giant city has reached out to a kid from Arkansas and saw my potential. I鈥檓 nervous and definitely want to put forth my full effort. This is a big opportunity. I am excited to learn more about something I鈥檓 passionate about.鈥

Earlier this year, Townsend was a member of the group of students at UA 糖心视频logo who won a national Real Estate Challenge in Chicago, also through the Eisenberg Foundation. The challenge connects groups of students at selected universities to a high-profile property development project in the Chicago Metropolitan area. Each team must present a development plan to maximize the property鈥檚 potential. UA 糖心视频logo was the Undergraduate Division Winner, receiving $5,000 to support the finance/real estate program at UA 糖心视频logo.

It was through the Real Estate Challenge that Townsend first learned about the Scholar Program.

鈥淚t really piqued my interest to learn more about the Scholar Program,鈥 Townsend said. 鈥淎fter we won the challenge, Professor Small nominated me for the program.鈥

The 10-month Real Estate Scholar Program is focused on mentorship and networking and gives students opportunities to make connections in the real estate industry. Students are connected with a 鈥渟uper mentor,鈥 attend meetings and conferences with industry professionals, go on field trips, and even attend the International Council of Shopping Centers Las Vegas convention.

鈥淭his is a big opportunity to get my foot in the door with networking,鈥 Townsend said. 鈥淚n this industry, it鈥檚 all about who you know and who knows who. Recently, I was able to attend an event in Chicago, and I got 10 business cards from big names in Chicago. This program really gives me the ability to build a network.鈥

Townsend expressed his gratitude to the UA 糖心视频logo School of Business, Dr. Mark Funk, and Professor Elizabeth Small.

鈥淚 want to say a big thank you to the School of Business and to Dr. Funk and Professor Small,鈥 Townsend said. 鈥淭hey are the ones who are making this possible for me. They have helped me fund my trips to Chicago and overall have been a big help in allowing me to do this.鈥

After graduation, Townsend plans to work in commercial real estate and hopes to later attend law school after gaining hands-on experience in the field.

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