Forty Under 40: Karen Margaret Boston

When Karen Boston finished her bachelor’s in criminal justice at the University of Arkansas, she wanted to pursue a career in law. But the Fayetteville attorney she worked for after college was investigated by the FBI and ended up in prison, so Boston changed her mind.

The Spring, Texas, native had enjoyed working as a student ambassador and in various campus offices during her undergraduate days. These experiences helped her understand the importance of the people working behind the scenes, so she decided to go back to school to study higher education administration.

In 1996, Boston finished her master’s of education and started working for the Walton College of Business. She finished her doctorate in 2002.

In 2003, she played a big role in implementing new undergraduate curriculum, which hadn’t been updated in 20 years.

Boston also teaches a First Year Experience course, and said the most fulfilling aspect of her work is watching students come to college as freshman and walk out as graduates.

She serves on the committee of Leadership Fayetteville and the Junior League board. Boston advises other young professional women to be strong and create balance between work and family.