Bio
Suzanne Hayes strengthened UNK’s business administration degree with a finance emphasis by spearheading the rigorous application and approval process with the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. She was involved in the initial funding and establishment of the Student Managed Investment Fund, where students invest real dollars in the stock market, serving as the faculty manager for the fund. Suzanne writes grant applications to fund CBT scholarships for students interested in banking and serves as the Director of the Nebraska Bankers Scholar program. She gained professional experience at Zions First National Bank as the Assistant Vice President and Manager, Commercial Loan Officer, and Credit Analyst. Memberships include Nebraska Financial Education Network (NCEE), Financial Education Association (FEA), and Financial Management Association (FMA). Suzanne has been awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award, Untenured and the Outstanding Teacher Award, Tenured by the College of Business & Technology (CBT) and the Outstanding Professor Award from Beta Alpha Psi. She has written multiple peer reviewed articles for journals and presents at conferences in the US and Canada on topics such as equity crowdfunding, promoting integrative thinking in business students, and how students can finance college. She provides professional service by judging Stock Market Competitions for the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) and reviewing journal articles. She serves UNK students as an advisor for both finance students and Nebraska Bankers Scholar students.
Education
Ph.D., Finance, University of Texas at Dallas
MBA, Business Administration, East Carolina University
B.S., Business Administration, Nebraska Wesleyan University
Areas of expertise and research
Equity crowdfunding
Investments
Personal finance
What is your teaching style like?
I strive to create a learning environment where students feel comfortable. I try to establish a connection with each student and be a positive influence during their academic career. I encourage active learning and use a variety of teaching methods to engage students. In a supportive atmosphere I hold students to a high standard and find that they will rise to the challenge.
What do you like about teaching?
I enjoy learning together with the students. The highest reward I receive from teaching occurs when a student undertakes the necessary work and is able to solve a difficult problem; that sudden awareness shows up as elation and pride from a job well done.
I believe that finance is a crucial skill for student success, both personally and professionally. I enjoy the challenge of education and try to ensure that students finish my courses with a framework and knowledge base that serves them well as they make financial decisions throughout their lives.
Taking care of business
Standard of excellence
Taking care of business
