Ample resources at Arkansas may have lured Jones away from LSU

Departing LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business Dean Eli Jones “knew he was wanted and loved” in Baton Rouge, according to Lee Griffin, who says he spoke to Jones about the career move as a friend, not in his official capacity as executive director of the LSU Foundation. But the long-term opportunities presented by the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas were too good for Jones to pass up. “With Eli I don’t think it was a matter of individual compensation,” says Griffin, who was very active in recruiting Jones to LSU several years ago. “But I think he felt the resources that were going to be available to him at the Walton School were going to be substantial, and we’ve had cut after cut in state appropriations; and I think he saw more of an opportunity there to accomplish what he wants to accomplish.” Griffin says he was aware of Jones’ pending move for a couple of weeks. He could not say to what extent LSU tried to match Jones’ offer from Arkansas, though LSU Chancellor Mike Martin said Wednesday that LSU “made every effort to keep” Jones. Griffin did say he encouraged Jones to stay. “But he and his family decided this was the right move for him,” he says. “You also have to remember that Eli comes from a packaged goods and retail background, and the Waltons are big retailers. I think he felt like this enhanced and broadened his career in that arena.” —Stephanie Riegel