WKU News

Dr. Jeff Katz, Dean and Professor of Management in the Gordon Ford College of Business, was recently named the 2018 Beta Alpha Psi Outstanding Dean. The award is presented to a dean who contributes to the university’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter with time, financial support, and an aspiration to achieve chapter goals. Winners of this award stand out among the other nominees through significant dedication and passion for the chapter and its members.

Beta Alpha Psi was founded in 1919 as an honor organization for financial information students and professionals. There are more than 300 chapters on college and university campuses with more than 300,000 members initiated since Beta Alpha Psi's formation. Katz will officially be recognized and given a plaque during the Beta Alpha Psi Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. on August 9.

“Dean Katz is an outstanding leader and a tremendous supporter of Beta Alpha Psi as well as all of the student organizations in the business college,” said Dr. Harold Little, chair of the Department of Accounting. Little also describes Katz as a moral support who creates an energetic climate for participation.

Student leaders Alex Bishop and Adabella Nunez nominated the dean on behalf of the WKU chapter.

“One of Dean Katz’ best qualities is his personality and his passion to serve and not be served, which is very prominent with his leadership,” the pair wrote. “Dean Katz will always make time to speak to students. He is always interested in how classes are going and asks if there is anything he can do to help. He is able to relate to students in a way that few educators can. His support during our events and for our students is unwavering and is the reason many students in the Gordon Ford College of Business love Dean Katz.”

“The Gordon Ford College of Business embraces a long and distinguished history of applied accounting education excellence,” Katz said. “In my opinion, our students are among the very best of any AACSB accredited College of Business. Our support for the honor organization recognizing their academic achievement signifies our dedication to our students and the future of the accounting and financial information profession.”

Katz earned his doctorate in management from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business. The former Fulbright Scholar has published more than 50 scholarly works and has used his skills to research and teach company strategy, decision making, as well as other aspects of management.