Debbie Davis

Walton Executive Education offers non-credit, training and development programs to build business and leadership skills. Meeting the educational needs of professionals throughout the state and region, we serve as an extension of the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business. The downtown Little Rock office, Walton College at 2nd & Main, opened in the fall of 2018. As the associate director, I am responsible for creating positive client relationships, application and proposal development, program management and marketing and communications for the center and programs.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best advice I've ever received:

Sometimes opportunities will present themselves at the most inopportune times. Don’t be afraid to seize an opportunity and make a change just because the timing seems a bit off.

Best career moment so far:

As a proud Walton alumna, I love representing the college and working to fulfill the mission to advance and disseminate business knowledge across our state. I get to meet some of the most amazing Arkansas leaders.

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about:

The Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry is a student-led emergency food assistance program serving U of A students, staff and faculty. It provides balanced meals through non-perishables and fresh produce from its own garden.

How I knew this was my passion:

I fell into education when I accepted a position at Little Rock Christian Academy where my children attend. I loved developing relationships with families who were searching for excellence in education. Education provides opportunities to make an impact on the world.

Biggest challenges in my career:

Balancing career and family. Making the decision to leave my career after the birth of my second son was difficult. Then reentering the job market 10 years later when my third son started kindergarten was a challenging transition as well.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day:

I love the creativity of my position. It has required an entrepreneurial mindset. I am having a blast creating the marketing strategy and watching the programs develop and grow.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field:

Executive education provides a growth opportunity to keep the pace within an ever-changing world. Mastering a new skill or staying abreast of trends is a critical and powerful career strategy. The best leaders are lifelong learners.

What makes Little Rock feel like home:

Little Rock has been my home for the past 25 years. I have been fortunate to develop lifelong friendships through school, work, church and activities. These friends are my Little Rock family and make it feel like home.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best advice I've ever received:

Best career moment so far:

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about:

How I knew this was my passion:

Biggest challenges in my career:

What keeps me coming back to my job every day:

The one thing I wish people knew about my field:

What makes Little Rock feel like home:

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Chicago

First thing I do at the office

Turn on the music and make the coffee

Best coffee in town

Nexus

Binge watch

"The Crown"

Last good read

"Bad Blood" by John Carreyrou

Podcast recommendation

"Skimm'd from the Couch"

Best recent local discovery

The Rail Yard

Latest splurge

A weekend in Scottsdale

Hobbies

Spending time with family and friends, running, golf, barre and reading

Most-used app

Instagram

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