During the April 2023 meeting of the Samford University Board of Trustees, three Brock School of Business faculty members were awarded promotions.

 

Joy Buchanan earned tenure and was promoted to associate professor. Buchanan, who joined the Brock School of Business faculty in August 2017, teaches data analytics and economics courses. Through her research, she is making advances in the understanding of high-tech labor markets, charitable giving, and wage bargaining in a recession. Buchanan was the 2023 recipient of the Brock School of Business’ Gerow Hodges Research Award. Buchanan holds a bachelor’s degree from Chapman University and a master’s degree in economic system design also from Chapman. She received her doctorate in economics from George Mason University.

 

Kevin Pan was also granted tenure and promoted to associate professor. Originally from Taiwan, Pan joined the Brock School of Business faculty in August 2017 where he teaches data analytics courses. His research focuses on the application of data analytics to business topics such as finance, accounting and management, and research related to business values and corporate social responsibility. He also conducts interdisciplinary research related to health care and education. He is especially passionate about the intersection of the Christian faith, business and data analytics. Pan holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the National Taiwan University, a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University and a doctorate in biomedical informatics also from Stanford.

 

Additionally, Associate Professor Rusty Yerkes was named the inaugural holder of the Thomas J. Adams, Sr./AutoTec Endowed Professor of Risk Management and Insurance. Over the last few years, Yerkes has led the effort to establish curriculum for Brock School of Business’ newest academic program, the risk management and insurance concentration for business majors. Yerkes’ expertise lies in financial markets and Institutions, investments, portfolio Management, financial planning, corporate financial analysis, financial risk, management and derivatives, treasury management and banking. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and operations research from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a Master of Business Administration with a focus in finance from Auburn University at Montgomery, and a doctorate degree with a focus in finance from the University of Alabama.

 

Lastly, Professors Archie Lockamy and Larry Harper, who both recently retired, were granted emeritus status.

 

Brock School of Business Dean Chad Carson said, “These faculty members have worked tirelessly to achieve these milestone accomplishments. I’m grateful for their dedication to Samford and Brock School of Business and know that their students, alumni and colleagues join me in celebrating these promotions.