糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Honors Distinguished Business Alumni Woody Harrelson and Gus Leeper
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock celebrated two outstanding graduates whose leadership, service, and professional success exemplify the spirit of Trojan excellence during the 2025 School of Business Distinguished Alumni Luncheon, held Friday, Oct. 17, at the Statehouse Convention Center.
The event recognized Woody Harrelson, president of The Hatcher Agency, and Gus Leeper, senior vice president in Stephens Inc.鈥檚 Private Wealth Management division, for their achievements in business and their continued commitment to the university.
Harrelson, a 1996 graduate of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business, received the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the school鈥檚 highest honor. The award recognizes a graduate who has made a significant impact in business or nonprofit work while giving back to the community and university. With more than three decades of experience in employee benefits strategy and carrier negotiations, Harrelson has built a career rooted in integrity and client service. He joined The Hatcher Agency in 1992 and has since held every major leadership role within the organization.
In his remarks, Harrelson encouraged students and young professionals to embrace accountability. 鈥淭he most important thing is to take responsibility for your actions,鈥� Harrelson said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e going to mess up and make mistakes. Own those mistakes and make them part of your past. You鈥檒l be better for it.鈥�
Leeper, a 2015 graduate who earned dual bachelor鈥檚 degrees in general management and international business, received the Dean鈥檚 Award for Excellence, which honors a recent graduate who has demonstrated strong leadership potential and community engagement. A former Trojan basketball player, Leeper began his career at Stephens Inc. through the firm鈥檚 Private Wealth Management analyst program. Today, he serves as senior vice president, helping clients define and achieve their financial goals while staying active in the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock community as part of the Lettermen鈥檚 Association.
Reflecting on his experience, Leeper credited 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for helping him build a foundation for success. 鈥淢y advice looking back is to be sure to take advantage of all the opportunities 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock offers,鈥� Leeper said. 鈥淭his university does a great job of setting up students for success, and I am grateful.鈥�
Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business, commended both honorees for their lasting impact. 鈥淲oody Harrelson and Gus Leeper are shining examples of what it means to be a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Trojan,鈥� Funk said. 鈥淭heir professional accomplishments, commitment to service, and dedication to our university inspire our students and demonstrate the value of a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education.鈥�
The luncheon brought together alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners to celebrate excellence in business and support the School of Business鈥檚 mission of connecting the classroom to the community. Proceeds from the event benefit scholarships and programs that give students hands-on learning opportunities and real-world experiences, ensuring the next generation of business leaders is prepared to make an impact both on campus and across Arkansas.