Alumni Profile: Sarah Hutzel says College of Business set high expectations

Sarah Hutzel

Alumni Q&A

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Sarah Hutzel. I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration in 2009 and completed my Master of Business Administration in 2014. After receiving my BBA, I joined Arvest Bank and have remained there ever since. I serve as the Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending in Hot Springs, managing a commercial loan portfolio, and prior to that was a senior credit analyst. I was raised in Hot Springs, where I now reside with my husband and sons. Our oldest son recently graduated from National Park College, and our youngest sons attend Lake Hamilton School, where both my husband and I also graduated. Between their school activities and sports, there's never a dull moment!

I'm actively involved in the Hot Springs community and hold several board positions. I'm the immediate past chairman and a current board member of Ouachita Children, Youth, and Family Services, the co-chair of the Hot Springs Women's Leadership Alliance, Treasurer of Leadership Hot Springs, Treasurer of the Lake Hamilton School District PTO Council, and serve on the National Park College Foundation Board. I am also a member of Hot Springs Fifty for the Future and the Henderson State University College of Business Advisory Council.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

While attending Henderson's School of Business, I had an opportunity to join a mentorship program outside of the standard curriculum. I was paired with Buddy Formby, who was also a Henderson alumnus, and it just so happens the HSU athletic center is named after him. He arranged field trips for our mentorship group and introduced us to various professionals and organizations that I never would have had exposure to without the program. It was a little intimidating at the time but such a good opportunity. He doesn't know it, but his guidance influenced me greatly and I hope to pay it forward in a similar capacity. I was able to mentor several business students last year and hope to do it again in the future.

What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?

I went to China as part of my International Business course in 2008. I spent two weeks traveling with a HSU travel group and we visited to Xi'an, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Guangzhou. One of my favorite things on that trip was visiting the Great Wall of China and seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors… there are no words to describe those experiences. It was also the same year China hosted the Olympics, so we got to drive by the Bird's Nest stadium which was pretty cool.

How did your college experience shape who you are today?

My courses and professors set high expectations, always challenging me to meet those demands. The School of Business was (and still is) AACSB accredited which is recognized as one of the highest standards of accreditation. As a result, I set high expectations of myself and that has stayed with me throughout my life. It has helped me be successful in my career but also in the community.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your college years?

I was a transfer student in my junior year from NPC and commuted several days per week, depending on my class schedule. Looking back, I wish I had experienced living on campus, been part of a sorority, and living the college life. So many lifetime friendships are made that way and that is something I wish I had experienced and will encourage my sons to do.

What motivates you to stay connected with your alma mater?

I serve on the HSU College of Business Advisory Committee to give back to the same school that played a significant role in my development. I didn't know it then, but I needed someone to help me recognize my potential. The faculty were genuinely invested in each student's success and always provided encouragement.

Were there any specific courses or professors that had a significant impact on you?

There were so many so it's hard to choose! Dr. Frank Smith was my finance instructor. His class was intimidating and, honestly, I was dreading taking it. He was such a strong person, and he seemed to think I had potential in finance, so I almost had to believe him. It ended up being a course corrector for me, from marketing to finance, and I've been in banking ever since.

What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?

Embrace every learning opportunity outside the classroom. Jump at any opportunity to join a mentorship, internship, or leadership program; the experiences and connections made are invaluable. Always be willing to take on new responsibilities at work-it not only enhances your skills but also builds a reputation as a reliable and ambitious professional. If people know you do quality work and have follow through, you will be top of mind when they have a position to fill.

Don't forget to give back. There was probably someone who made a positive impact in your life and helped you along the way, so make sure to pay it forward and do that for someone else. Whether it's being a mentor, volunteering, or serving on a board, just make sure to lend your talents or skills in a way that could help someone else along in their journey.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your Henderson experience?

I wish I would have understood then that life doesn't begin after graduation, after you land your dream job, or after some other large milestone you've worked hard to accomplish. Life is happening throughout all your experiences so enjoy the journey, engage with the opportunities and people around you, and don't try to skip ahead. You'll look back one day and wonder where the time went.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Teleportation, so I could travel the world whenever I wanted to! I love to travel but only get to a few times a year. I would love to take off to Europe for a long weekend.

What is your favorite hobby or activity to unwind after a busy day at work?

Spending time with my family, eating dinner as a family every night, and reading a book.

What is the most interesting place you've ever visited and why?

My mother, sister and I took a trip and traveled to London, Paris, Rome, and Florence. I love history so it was a dream trip come true. I recently did an Ancestry DNA test and found more information on my lineage, so I would love to go visit those places -- England, Ireland, Scottland, Italy, Austria, Germany, etc.

If you could choose any historical figure to have dinner with, who would it be, and why?

Lucille Ball! I have loved "I Love Lucy" since I was a child. Not only was the show absolutely hilarious and the first of its kind, but she was also the first woman to own a major television studio. She cofounded, co-owned, and eventually solely owned Desilu Productions, which produced her shows along with others like The Andy Griffith Show and Star Trek.

If you could listen to only one music genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I can't commit to just one! I like too many different kinds of music. My playlist is all over the place.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life or career?

Do your job well and exceed expectations. This will show peers and supervisors that you're willing to do more than the minimum and that they can trust you with larger responsibilities. When the time comes for a promotion or career change, don't let fear hold you back.

Do you have any hidden talents or skills that might surprise people?

Hmm… I really don't outside of my stellar organizational skills which isn't impressive in this context. However, something that might surprise people is that I helped form a non-profit organization called the Hot Springs Women's Leadership Alliance. I'm the Co-Chair and it has been my baby for the past 18 months. Our organization brings in monthly speakers, hosts events and workshops, and we've had over 250 different women come together to network and make relationships. We've accomplished a lot and I'm really proud of it.

What alternative career path could you see yourself pursuing?

I originally went back to get my MBA because I was considering teaching college. I taught a few adjunct courses at National Park College and enjoyed it. I would have to pursue further education if it's something I wanted to do full time.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

I would be able to teleport so I wouldn't find myself stranded! But to answer the question…shelter, satellite phone, and food/water.

Who inspires you (not including family members)?

That's a hard one because it will always be my mother. However, excluding family, I would say all the unsung heroes and heroines who have faced adversity, fought for their own rights and others, and have made a significant impact in the world. Those who have done what is right, even when it was hard.

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