The Exchange: Dean’s Message January 2025

January 22, 2025
Jeff Guan, interim dean, in front of the Big Red statue

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, Associate Professor Kristen Lucas, along with co-authors Jacob Rawlins (BYU) and Jenna Haugen (UNC Chapel Hill), published a textbook, Business Communication: Five Core Competencies. With support from University Libraries faculty Lidiya Grote and Alexandra Howard, the authors utilized Pressbooks, an online platform for creating and hosting free, openly licensed educational materials. Since its release last fall, this competency-based textbook has been accessed by more than 14,000 visitors and viewed nearly 60,000 times, saving UofL students an estimated $96,000 over the past three semesters. This is a remarkable example of how innovative teaching resources can enhance affordability and accessibility for students. 
     
  • Congratulations are also in order for Ray Chastain, one of three UofL faculty members to receive the prestigious TILL Teaching Innovation Award for 2024. Since joining the College of Business in 2022, Ray has transformed our undergraduate business statistics course, incorporating innovative teaching methodologies that have significantly boosted engagement and learning outcomes. Under Ray’s leadership, enrollment in business statistics has nearly doubled, growing from 294 students in 2022–2023 to 563 in 2024–2025. His dedication to teaching excellence and student success is an inspiration. Well done, Ray, on this well-deserved recognition! 
     
  • Finally, we are proud to celebrate sophomore Jackson Robbins, who has earned the esteemed Congressional Award for Youth. This national honor recognizes outstanding achievements in community service, personal development, physical fitness, and educational excellence. Jackson’s dedication to personal growth and his commitment to making a difference in the community are commendable. He was presented the award by Congressman Morgan McGarvey, joining an elite group of fewer than 4,000 young people nationwide who have achieved this distinction. Congratulations, Jackson, on this exceptional accomplishment! 

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

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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