The University of Arkansas at Monticello Homepage

This fall, the University of Arkansas at Monticello Investment Club has expanded opportunities for students by increasing access to real-time market analysis, financial education and hands-on investment experience for students across all majors. The club continues to strengthen financial literacy on campus while helping students build practical skills in personal and organizational finance.

The UAM Investment Club provides students with practical experience in investment management and financial decision-making. The club began the fall semester with meetings and guest speakers, including Hunter Johnson, financial advisor for Raymond James.

Students in the club also have the opportunity to manage a Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), which was established with $75,000 in funding received last year. To gain insights on effectively managing the fund, UAM Investment Club officers traveled to Washington, D.C., from October 8 to 11, where they presented investment proposals to employees of Walton Investment Team, Inc., and participated in investment management training at the offices of the Walton Family Foundation and the Walton Investment Team.

The club is set to expand opportunities for students with support from a $312,500 grant from the Walton Family Foundation, awarded for use from 2025 to 2028.

“The UAM Investment Club continues to grow, offering students hands-on experience and real-world learning opportunities,” said Rebecca Phillips, associate professor of accounting and faculty co-advisor of the UAM Investment Club. “UAM students will have experiences that they otherwise would not have had the opportunity to do without this funding. It is a game-changer for our organization. This is such a generous gift from the Walton Family Foundation, and we are very appreciative of their support.”

Dr. Shanna Knowles, assistant professor of business and faculty co-advisor of the UAM Investment Club, stated, “The UAM Investment Club can further our mission of teaching practical skills in wealth management and long-term financial sustainability — tools that will benefit our students far beyond the classroom.”

“I extend my deepest gratitude to the Walton Family Foundation for their incredible generosity and continued support of the UAM Investment Club,” said Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM. “This grant not only enhances our students' learning opportunities but also emphasizes the vital importance of financial literacy in today’s world. By empowering our students with the knowledge and skills necessary for informed financial decision-making, we are setting them on a path toward successful futures.”

During the spring 2026 semester, members will participate in additional professional training with financial industry leaders. New members are receiving foundational training through guest speakers and research activities while continuing to analyze market performance and manage the SMIF portfolio.

The club is open to students from all majors at UAM. 

For more information about the UAM Investment Club, contact uaminvestmentclub@uamont.edu or call 870-460-1311.