UA Little Rock School of Business to Honor Brandon, Pierce as Distinguished Alumni
From launching Arkansas’s first legal distillery since Prohibition to helping families and businesses build long-term wealth, two UA Little Rock graduates will be recognized this fall for careers that have shaped business across Arkansas.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Business will honor Phil Brandon, founder and CEO of Rock Town Distillery, with the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Ryder Pierce, executive vice president and investment manager at Bank OZK, with the Dean’s Award for Excellence during the 2026 School of Business Distinguished Alumni Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 9, 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. The luncheon celebrates graduates whose professional accomplishments, leadership, and service reflect the values of the UA Little Rock School of Business.
Dr. Mark Funk, director of the UA Little Rock School of Business, said Brandon and Pierce reflect the qualities the school strives to instill in its graduates.
“One of the greatest measures of a business school is the success of its graduates, and Phil Brandon and Ryder Pierce have built careers defined by leadership, integrity, and service,” Funk said. “They represent different generations and industries, but both have made a meaningful impact through their work and have remained connected to the university. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and the example they set for our students.”
The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the School of Business’s highest honor, presented to a graduate who has made significant contributions to business while serving the Little Rock community and UA Little Rock.
After earning his MBA (Master of Business Administration) from UA Little Rock, Brandon founded Rock Town Distillery in 2010, and under his leadership, Rock Town has grown into an internationally recognized, award-winning craft distillery whose bourbons, vodkas, gins, and other spirits have earned numerous national and international honors.
Before launching Rock Town, Brandon spent more than two decades in the telecommunications industry. He has also supported economic development and the arts through leadership roles with organizations including the Downtown Little Rock Partnership and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
The Dean’s Award for Excellence recognizes a graduate from the past decade who has demonstrated exceptional promise as a business leader while remaining engaged with the university and community.
A graduate of UA Little Rock with bachelor’s degrees in economics and finance, Pierce serves as executive vice president and trust investment officer at Bank OZK, where he works with clients on investment and wealth management strategies. He is also a CFA charterholder — a globally recognized financial expert who has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst credential — and is working toward an Executive MBA from Vanderbilt University.
Prior to joining Bank OZK, Pierce held leadership positions in wealth management and investment strategy before returning to Arkansas. A former Trojan cross country and track student-athlete, he has remained connected to UA Little Rock while building a reputation as one of Arkansas’s emerging business leaders.
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Ginger Daril at 501-916-6437 or [email protected].