UA Business School Hires Eli Jones As New Dean

The University of Arkansas announced that Eli Jones, the current dean of Louisiana State University’s E.J. Ourso College of Business, will become the dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, effective July 1.

“I am pleased that Dean Jones will lead Walton College at this critical time,” said Sharon L. Gaber, the university’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We were looking for an established and effective leader to further advance Walton College’s national and global stature among the world’s leading business colleges. Dean Jones possesses the experience, business reputation and connections, and energy to continue Walton College’s extraordinary progress in the years to come.”

“Eli Jones brings a wonderful mix of business acumen, professional savvy and academic experience,” said University of Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “He will provide a strong, innovative and knowledgeable presence for Walton College and its exceptional students, faculty and staff.”

Jones will hold the Sam M. Walton Leadership Chair in Business in addition to his position as dean. He currently has a similar role at LSU, serving as E.J. Ourso Distinguished Professor of Business as well as Ourso College’s dean.

Before coming to LSU he served as associate dean for executive education; executive director of the program for excellence in selling; the founding director of the Sales Excellence Institute and  professor at the University of Houston. He holds a doctoral degree in marketing, a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in journalism all from Texas A&M University.

Jones is the author or co-author of four books and nearly 50 academic papers.

Prior to Jones’ academic career, he served in leadership positions for Frito-Lay, Nabisco Foods and Quaker Oats.

Jones, 50, will be joined in Fayetteville by his wife, Fern Jones. He has four children and seven grandchildren.