Mohammed Islam is a senior manager at PepsiCo with over 25 years of global experience in the consumer goods industry. Holding numerous positions with increasing responsibility across supply chain, logistics, finance, and field and global operations, Islam has also played an integral role in Frito-Lay’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence team. When he isn’t improving processes and profits, Islam can be found giving back. Whether he is providing finance and tax advice to low-income families through the IRS’s VITA program, mentoring students, or establishing a scholarship endowment, Islam is always looking for ways to pay it forward.
Islam grew up in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Raised in a middle-class, single-parent household, his search for the perfect U.S. college included not only exceptional quality but also affordability.
“SAU provides an affordable choice for a great education that’s nestled within a great community,” he said.
While Islam was the first person in his family to attend a U.S. college, he didn’t travel alone. Three of his friends were also accepted to SAU and traveled from one of the most densely populated cities in the world to Magnolia, AR.
“It was transformational for me as a young international student,” Islam said. “My immersion into U.S. culture was accelerated because I was at SAU. If I look back, it was at SAU where I got that grit because I was accepted as who I am. Not only at the school, but throughout the city.”
Islam credits exceptional faculty, such as Mr. Louis Blanchard, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Kathleen Mallory, for helping him build skills that sharpened him professionally. Though he loved his classes and campus life, Islam was determined to graduate early. He worked multiple jobs, including on-campus positions supporting his peers as a tutor and a supplemental instruction leader. He succeeded in 1995, obtaining his B.S. in Accounting in 3.5 years.
Since his graduation, Islam earned an MBA from the University of North Texas and began giving back to SAU. Not only has he mentored students through the Rankin College of Business Backpack to Briefcase program, but he also serves on the Business Advisory Council and the Foundation Board of Governors. Additionally, he and his wife Farhana Islam are in the process of funding the Islam Family College of Business Scholarship Endowment.
While Islam and his wife feel strongly about supporting students financially, he also noted that there are many ways for alumni to give back that don’t cost a dime.
“Students are looking for mentors. I’ve done that for a lot of students, and it’s very fulfilling to watch them graduate and get a job and change their resumes. I would encourage people to do that.”
If you are interested in opportunities to become more engaged with SAU, visit www.saualumni.com or contact the Alumni Association at 870-235-4079.
