The Exchange: Dean’s Message January 2025

As we kick off a new semester, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous talent and dedication of our College of Business community. Each semester brings fresh opportunities to excel, innovate, and make an impact, and I’m confident that 2025 will be no exception. 

This year has already brought us news worth celebrating. Jose M. Fernandez, Professor and Chair of the Economics Department, has been honored with the 2024 Service Award from the American Society of Hispanic Economists (ASHE). This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing diversity and promoting inclusivity within the field of economics and beyond. Fernandez’s accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary—he has served as President of ASHE, co-chaired the American Economic Association’s Committee on the Status of Minority Groups in the Economics Profession, and launched impactful programs like the Mid-Career Minority Economists Mentoring Program and the Diversity Speakers Database. His leadership and advocacy for underrepresented groups have not only enriched our College but also made a lasting impact on the broader academic and professional communities. Congratulations, Jose, on this well-deserved honor! 

Adding to our list of accolades, Saurav Chakraborty has been recognized with the Outstanding Reviewer Award from the European Journal of Information Systems—one of the elite journals in the field. This recognition reflects Chakraborty’s dedication to advancing research and maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence. 

We are also thrilled to see exciting developments within our academic programs. Mike Barone’s new course, AI in the Marketplace, is capturing the imagination of our students, with all sections completely filled for the spring semester. This course is a testament to our commitment to staying at the forefront of business education by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate rapidly evolving technologies. 

Additionally, our newly launched Hospitality Management Program is off to a fantastic start, with 53 students enrolled across two inaugural classes. This program addresses a growing demand in the Louisville region and beyond, preparing students to thrive in one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. Its success is a reflection of the College’s ability to respond to market needs and provide relevant, impactful education. 

These achievements are proof of the talent and drive our faculty, staff, and students have. Their success elevates the College of Business, showcases the strength of our programs, and inspires all of us to aim higher. 

As we move forward into the semester, let’s continue to support one another, celebrate our successes, and strive for excellence in everything we do. Here’s to starting the semester strong and making 2025 a year to remember. 

Warm regards, 

Dr. Jeff Guan
Interim Dean, UofL College of Business

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About the UofL College of Business:

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region, and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives, and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity, and the power of people.

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