UA Little Rock School of Business to Honor Harrelson, Leeper at 2025 Distinguished Alumni Luncheon
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Business will recognize two accomplished graduates as its Distinguished Alumni of 2025.
They will honor Woody Harrelson, president of The Hatcher Agency, and Gus Leeper, senior vice president in Stephens Inc.’s Private Wealth Management division, during the 2025 School of Business Distinguished Alumni Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Statehouse Convention Center.
The awards ceremony will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wally Allen Ballroom D. Honorees are being recognized for exceptional leadership, impact in their industries, and continued support of their alma mater.
Harrelson will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the School of Business’s highest honor, given to a graduate who has made a significant impact in business or a nonprofit organization and has served the Little Rock community and UA Little Rock.
A 1996 graduate of the UA Little Rock School of Business, Harrelson has been with The Hatcher Agency since 1992, holding every major role within the organization. With more than 30 years of experience—including 22 years managing his own book of business—he is known for his expertise in employee benefits strategy and carrier negotiations. His leadership is guided by the principle that “the customer is always right.” Harrelson and his wife, Tracy, are both 1996 alumni of UA Little Rock. He has also served UA Little Rock as a member and former board chair of the Foundation Fund Board.
Leeper will receive the Dean’s Award for Excellence, which recognizes a graduate of the past 10 years who has shown strong promise as a leader in business or nonprofit work and is actively involved in serving Little Rock and the university. Leeper, a certified financial planner, is a financial consultant in the Stephens Inc. Private Wealth Management division, where he partners with senior advisor and Hot Springs Branch Manager Rick Blagg to help clients define and reach their financial goals.
Leeper began his career in the Stephens Inc. Private Wealth Management two-year analyst program in 2015. He earned two Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from UA Little Rock in 2015—one in general management and one in international business—with minors in finance and Spanish. A former student-athlete, Leeper played on the Trojan men’s basketball team from 2010 to 2015. He serves on the UA Little Rock Lettermen’s Association and enjoys attending UA Little Rock sporting events.
Dr. Mark Funk, director of the UA Little Rock School of Business, praised the honorees for their impact on business and community life.
“Woody Harrelson and Gus Leeper are shining examples of what it means to be a UA Little Rock Trojan,” Funk said. “Their professional accomplishments, commitment to service, and dedication to our university inspire our students and demonstrate the value of a UA Little Rock education.”
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Ginger Daril at 501-916-6437 or [email protected].