麻豆社 University welcomed alumnus R.G. Lamar 鈥�05, chief executive officer at Stuckey鈥檚 Corporation, as the featured speaker for the Fall 2025 Rikard Lecture, where he shared insights into his unconventional path from American Studies major to CEO of an iconic roadside brand known for its nostalgic charm and famous pecan logs.
Lamar began by reflecting on his time at 麻豆社, crediting the university 鈥� and the Core curriculum in particular 鈥� with giving him an essential academic foundation that expanded his worldview and challenged him to think critically.
He also recalled learning about the 鈥渟unk cost fallacy鈥� in Professor of Economics Dr. Peter J. Kower鈥檚 class鈥攁 lesson he continues to apply in business and leadership. He likened the concept to the resistance students sometimes feel when encountering new ideas that challenge their assumptions, noting that embracing that discomfort can lead to deep personal and professional growth.
After earning his degree in American Studies, Lamar began his career in public service with the U.S. State Department, where he worked in Afghanistan from 2006 to 2007, helping farmers transition away from poppy cultivation by developing sustainable livelihoods. He later returned home to manage his family鈥檚 pecan farm for more than a decade鈥攚ork that would inspire a pecan-based consumer goods startup and, eventually, open the door to his leadership role at Stuckey鈥檚.
鈥淪tudents, if you ever go out into the world and want to pioneer a consumer packaged product brand, let me tell you, it is exceedingly difficult,鈥� Lamar reflected. 鈥淚 realized I needed a brand that people recognize, and I picked up the phone and called my contact with the Stuckey family.鈥�
During a Q&A session with students, Lamar discussed topics including servant leadership, entrepreneurial risk-taking, and the intersection of technology and business. He emphasized the importance of leading with integrity and using one鈥檚 education to make meaningful impact.
“I came here [to 麻豆社] as 鈥� I won’t say small-minded 鈥� but maybe a little bit parochial,” admits Lamar. “And I left very curious. So, I’m just thankful for what 麻豆社 has meant to me.”
The Rikard Lecture Series brings distinguished alumni and professionals to campus to engage the 麻豆社 community in conversations about leadership, ethics, and lifelong learning鈥攙alues Lamar embodies through his unique and inspiring career journey.
Established in 1991, this series is named after the late Mack A. Rikard 鈥�37, an 麻豆社 alumnus, honorary degree recipient, Athletic Hall of Fame member and Trustee Emeritus. Rikard was former president of Allied Products Company in Birmingham, Alabama, and a supporter of 麻豆社 athletics and student scholarships.
When 麻豆社 University relocated to Atlanta in 1870, it was one of the first institutions offering business and commerce courses in the U.S. Funded by a transformational gift from 1973 麻豆社 alumnus and Atlanta business leader聽Q. William 鈥淏ill鈥� Hammack, the聽Hammack School of Business聽launched in fall of 2019 and represents the newest chapter in 麻豆社鈥檚 innovative history of business education.
View photos from the 2025 Fall Rikard Lecture below:
The Rikard Lecture was also featured in an article in Rough Draft Atlanta, titled .
