Christian Gwatney
Owner, Gwatney Chevrolet
BBA – Economics
I chose to attend UA Little Rock in the spring of 2008 after getting engaged. At the time, I owned a hair salon in Hillcrest and had spent the past three years working as a stylist. I loved that chapter of my life, but when I looked ahead, I felt a pull toward something different—something that would open new doors and challenge me in new ways.
Initially, I planned to study psychology. But everything shifted in August of 2008 when my dad passed away unexpectedly. That loss forced me to reevaluate my goals and priorities, and I changed my major to business. I had recently read Freakonomics by Dubner and Levitt, and found economics both challenging and fascinating—the perfect fit for the direction I wanted to take.
I graduated in December 2013 with a degree in Economics from the College of Business. Balancing motherhood and coursework took time and persistence, but I was fortunate to have a strong support system and a university that understood what nontraditional students needed to succeed. Returning to school at 26 was intimidating, but I quickly realized I wasn’t alone. Many of my classmates were also forging their own paths – some straight from high school, others balancing work, families, and life transitions. The mix made for rich, real-world conversations in class.
During my time at UA Little Rock, I participated in the inaugural Business Ambassadors program, which connected students with local business leaders. One of my professors invited me to join a book club made up of students and alumni. We read books about the evolution of the American economy and met regularly for discussions that were always insightful—and often entertaining. I stayed with that group for years after graduation.
Because UA Little Rock is rooted in our community, the connections I made were lasting. I still stay in touch with classmates and professors, and those relationships continue to shape how I do business. I’ve helped some of them understand the car buying experience – an unexpected way my degree and my career have come full circle.
UA Little Rock gave me more than an education—it gave me perspective, opportunity, and a sense of belonging. It’s a place that values life experience and welcomes people who take the road less traveled.