• W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship Recipient •

Why One Veteran Chose the U of A and Never Looked Back

From Marine Corps aircraft ordnance specialist to Walmart supply chain professional and graduate student, Efrain Garcia's path has been shaped by perseverance, opportunity, and community. As the first in his family to graduate from college, returning to school for a graduate degree was not only possible for Garcia—it was the right next step.

After an enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps where he worked on F-18 combat aircraft, Garcia used his G.I. Bill education assistance to study at the U of A. In 2021, Garcia received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Information Systems with a minor in Supply Chain Management from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. He now works full time at Walmart Inc. in the Replenishment and International Imports division while pursuing a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. His goal is to graduate in May 2027.

"This year, it dawned on me I don't have a reason to keep putting off going after my master's," Garcia, 31, said. "So I enrolled. Looking at the opportunities within some of my current job roles, the timing felt right. Originally, after separating from the military, I'd planned to go back to California. I'd been accepted to a school there, was going to use my GI benefits. But during a brief, two-week visit to Northwest Arkansas, I noticed the cost of living here was just too good to pass up. So I changed my mind, ended up staying here with family and attending the U of A."

A brief stint working at J.B. Hunt opened Garcia's eyes to the world of supply chain and transportation management. He discovered the skills he'd gained as a Marine easily transferred over to this new and expanding area of study.

"When I first started at J.B. Hunt, I had no idea what transportation or supply chain in general meant, but I really ended up liking that kind of work," he said. "While I was there, I had multiple roles, everything from a freight broker to account management and learned about all modes of transportation. At the very end of it, I saw how it all tied into something I was going to school for--I was on a team developing a platform that enabled shippers of all sizes and freight needs to seamlessly book with J.B. Hunt."

Graduating from college was a large leap forward in Garcia's personal development.

"I ended up working in an industry that I really like and enjoy, which is supply chain," he said. "The program here at University of Arkansas is really good. The decision of what school to go to for a master's degree was pretty easy, especially now, when maybe a lot of the population is getting bachelor's degrees or an equivalent. As I keep going up the career ladder, maybe into leadership and upper management, this degree will help me stand out and give me specialized industry knowledge that those with just an undergraduate degree might not have."

For Garcia, being a student at the University of Arkansas means more than just doing academic coursework. It is about the relationships he builds, the support that he receives, and the sense of value he finds both academically and personally. These elements are what make the Razorback community so special and significant, he said.

"The support I've received here has been invaluable," Garcia said. "The resources offered by the university—from tutoring services to mental health support—have been essential in helping me navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom. At times when I've faced personal struggles, I've felt the tangible presence of community in the form of faculty, peers, and staff. They don't just offer help; they encourage me to push forward and remind me that setbacks are part of the process and to believe in my potential even when I doubt it myself. This unwavering support has given me the strength to not only continue pursuing my academic goals but also to challenge myself in ways I hadn't imagined before."

Garcia gives back to his community whenever possible. He uses his gift as a fluent Spanish speaker to volunteer for events across the community that focus on Latino culture such as ArkanSalsa Fest. He assists with other community drives such as the NWA Food Bank and translates when called upon throughout Northwest Arkansas. He is heavily involved with the University of Arkansas Volunteer Action Center and serves as a volunteer with Walmart, helping with various Veteran-run events such as Toys for Tots and Wreaths Across America.

Garcia is one of 35 recipients of the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship for online U of A students for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship began with small gifts from many people who passionately believe in the transformative power of education. It was created in 2018 to financially assist students who are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate online degree programs.

"There probably are many people who might immediately talk themselves out of going back to school, thinking they might not receive scholarships," he said. "Having used up my veteran's benefits earning my undergrad, I was one of them. When I received two scholarships, including the Manning scholarship, I was deeply surprised and deeply appreciative. The U of A just offers so many programs that are nationally ranked, and many, many chances for financial aid. All those are worth investigating opportunities at the U of A."