The former headquarters of Walmart in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas, is set to be transformed into a private, STEM-focused university, according to an announcement by the Walton family.
The announcement comes shortly after the opening of Walmart’s new 350-acre corporate campus, which now houses the company’s global operations.
With the original campus at 702 SW 8th Street vacated, the Walton family has committed to repurposing the space into a university aimed at reimagining higher education to meet the workforce needs of the 21st century.
Institutional Mission and Model
The proposed university will focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with integrated business and entrepreneurial training. It aims to enroll approximately 500 undergraduate students in its inaugural class and expand to about 1,500 undergraduates and 500 non-degree or continuing education learners over time.
A cornerstone of the institution’s design is its use of competency-based education, where students advance based on demonstrated mastery rather than time spent in class. This model accommodates both traditional college-aged students and working adults, offering greater flexibility through stackable credentials, hybrid learning (a mix of in-person and online components), and modular programs.
The university is expected to offer degrees and certificates in key sectors such as:
- Computing and Software Engineering
- Technical Management and Operations
- Automation and Robotics
- Supply Chain and Logistics Technologies
- Biomedical Technology and Health Informatics
These disciplines were selected based on workforce data and consultation with regional employers, including Walmart, J.B. Hunt, and Tyson Foods, as well as national education advisors.
Strategic Regional Alignment
Northwest Arkansas has seen significant economic diversification over the last decade, particularly in sectors requiring advanced technical skills.
A recent study by the Northwest Arkansas Council found that about 25% of the region’s 8,100 active job postings are in STEM fields—more than four times the national average of 6%.
The university is being positioned to directly address this gap. By offering industry-aligned training and real-world learning experiences—including internships, apprenticeships, and collaborative projects—the institution intends to create a robust talent pipeline for the region’s growing economy.
Officials note that the university will serve not only as an educational center but also as a catalyst for local innovation. Its design includes spaces for startup incubation, research labs, and community partnerships, enhancing its potential impact on entrepreneurship and economic mobility.
Philanthropic Vision and Operational Development
The project is spearheaded by Steuart and Tom Walton, grandsons of Walmart founder Sam Walton, and continues the family’s long-standing commitment to education, health, and culture in Northwest Arkansas. Their philanthropic ventures include Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, and the Whole Health Institute.
The STEM university will be developed through partnerships with national education experts, such as those at Heartland Forward and other higher education consultants.
While the institution is being designed as a new model, it is expected to coordinate with local schools and the University of Arkansas system to ensure ecosystem alignment and complementarity.
To attract talent and encourage enrollment during its formative years, the university plans to fully cover tuition for all students initially. This approach aims to eliminate financial barriers and create access for high-potential students, especially those from underserved backgrounds.
The university is currently in its planning and development phase. Its leaders are working with local officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to shape its physical and academic footprint.
Zoning, construction, and accreditation processes are expected to unfold over the next two years, with a goal of opening in the mid-to-late 2020s.
Implications for Higher Education
The proposed university reflects a growing national trend toward purpose-built institutions that are designed from the ground up to serve regional needs. Similar efforts—such as those seen at Minerva University and ASU’s digital campuses—have demonstrated the value of agile, mission-driven higher education institutions in driving economic development.
By transforming a legacy corporate site into a future-focused learning hub, the Walton family and their collaborators are setting a precedent for how corporate real estate, philanthropic capital, and education innovation can intersect to serve public needs.
Further details on faculty recruitment, governance structure, admissions criteria, and campus design are expected to be released later this year as planning milestones are reached.
