Harding University is launching a highly selective new business leadership program that will give promising students access to corporate executives, personal mentoring, real-world business experiences and career development opportunities.
The university announced Thursday, October 29, 2026, that its Carter College of Business is establishing the Carter Fellows Program, an initiative designed to prepare some of Harding’s most promising students for leadership roles in today’s changing business world.
The program will be led by Brett Biggs, executive dean of Carter College and former Chief Financial Officer of Walmart Inc.
University officials say the initiative will combine rigorous business education with direct exposure to experienced corporate leaders, entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
Former Walmart CFO Brett Biggs to Lead Program
Biggs, who previously served as Walmart’s Chief Financial Officer, will lead the new program as part of Harding’s effort to connect classroom learning with practical experience.
The Carter Fellows Program will give selected students opportunities to interact with chief executive officers, chief financial officers, entrepreneurs and other accomplished business leaders.
Those experiences will include:
- Individual executive mentoring
- Small-group leadership activities
- Executive roundtable discussions
- Company visits
- Real-world business experiences
- Career development opportunities
- Direct interaction with corporate leaders
- Integration of Christian faith and business leadership
Harding officials say these opportunities are intended to help students develop the knowledge, judgment and professional skills necessary to succeed in competitive business environments.
President Mike Williams: Business Education Is Changing
Harding University President Mike Williams said the new program reflects the institution’s commitment to adapting business education while maintaining its tradition of academic excellence.
Williams said the university’s new dean and executive dean leadership model, combined with the Carter Fellows Program, strengthens connections between academic preparation and real-world business experience.
“We want students to move beyond simply becoming smarter to becoming wiser,” Williams said.
The president emphasized the importance of developing character, judgment and leadership skills alongside academic knowledge.
According to Williams, Harding wants graduates to apply what they learn in ways that contribute to their professions, communities and society.
The university says the initiative also reflects its commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose, service and impact.
Students Will Learn Directly From Business Executives
One of the major features of the Carter Fellows Program will be access to experienced business leaders.
Students selected for the program will participate in special experiences involving CEOs, CFOs, entrepreneurs and other professionals.
Through individual mentoring, executive discussions and company visits, participants will gain exposure to the challenges and decisions faced by business leaders.
The program will focus on several important professional skills:
- Financial Fluency: Understanding financial information and using it to make informed business decisions.
- Communication: Developing the ability to communicate effectively in professional environments.
- Decision-Making: Learning to evaluate challenges, consider available information and make responsible business decisions.
- Leadership: Developing the character and judgment needed to guide teams and organizations.
- Career Development: Preparing students for professional opportunities and long-term career growth.
University officials say the program is intended to help students distinguish themselves in an evolving business landscape.
Who Can Qualify for the Carter Fellows Program?
The Carter Fellows Program will be highly selective.
According to Harding University, current students must have completed at least 60 hours of academic credit to be eligible for consideration.
Candidates must also demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance
- Personal character
- Leadership ability
- Potential for future business leadership
The program is designed to identify students who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also the personal qualities needed to become effective leaders.
Exceptional High School Seniors May Also Qualify
The new initiative will not be limited to students already attending Harding University.
The university says exceptional high school seniors may also be considered for future participation.
Those students must demonstrate strong character, academic performance and leadership potential.
Selected high school seniors may be offered a future place in the Carter Fellows Program.
However, participation would be contingent upon maintaining strong performance after enrolling at Harding.
The opportunity could provide promising high school students with an early pathway toward specialized business leadership development.
The university has not specified an application deadline or the exact number of participants who will be accepted.
First Group Begins Spring 2027
Harding University has announced a 2-stage rollout for the new program.
Spring 2027: A small inaugural group of Carter Fellows will begin participating.
Fall 2027: The university plans a full rollout of the Carter Fellows Program.
The initial group will mark the beginning of the new leadership initiative at the Carter College of Business.
The university has not announced the exact number of students who will participate in the first group.
New Leadership Model at Carter College of Business
The Carter Fellows Program follows Harding University’s announcement of a new leadership structure for its business college.
The university recently named longtime faculty member Dr. Phil Brown as dean of Carter College and Biggs as executive dean of strategy and transformation.
The structure is intended to combine academic leadership with practical industry experience and professional relationships.
Brown brings extensive academic experience, while Biggs contributes a career that included senior leadership at Walmart.
The new Carter Fellows Program is one of the initiatives designed to strengthen the connection between university business education and the corporate world.
Christian Faith Remains Central to the Program
Harding University says the Carter Fellows Program will also emphasize the integration of Christian faith with business leadership.
The university’s goal is to develop professionals who possess both strong business skills and the personal character needed to make responsible decisions.
The program will combine professional development with Harding’s tradition of Christian higher education.
University officials say the approach is designed to prepare graduates for meaningful careers while encouraging service and ethical leadership.
A New Opportunity for Future Business Leaders
The launch of the Carter Fellows Program represents another step in Harding University’s efforts to strengthen business education in Searcy.
Through executive mentoring, real-world experiences and direct industry relationships, selected students will have opportunities to develop leadership abilities before beginning their professional careers.
With former Walmart Chief Financial Officer Brett Biggs leading the effort, the university hopes to connect future graduates with the experience and knowledge of established business leaders.
The first Carter Fellows are expected to begin in Spring 2027, with the full program launching in Fall 2027.
More Information
Harding University
Carter College of Business
Searcy, Arkansas
University Website: https://www.harding.edu/
Official Announcement: https://news.harding.edu/2026/10/carter-fellows-program-announcement.html
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