2022 Dean’s Letter
This past academic year will be remembered as one of the most unique and impactful periods in our shared history. As our students, faculty and staff navigated the continued challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Belk College remained dedicated to our mission of creating an inclusive culture and educating our students to become leaders who are critical thinkers, ethically informed and globally aware.
This past year has also been one of continued reflection, learning and action toward building an inclusive and empowered community to drive what’s next in Charlotte and beyond. Our Belk College of Business 2021-2026 Strategic Plan reflects this momentum. In the fall, we saw the largest enrollment in the history of the College, ushered in new senior leadership for our graduate programs and welcomed the first cohort of Niblock Scholars. The Belk College, along with the University, celebrated a new look that brings Charlotte to the forefront, as the new “all-in-C” logo is now the single, consistent mark across the institution.
In the spring, we hosted CONNECT, an inaugural networking and professional development event for the Belk College Black and Latinx communities. Alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the College also honored the legacy of former dean Steven Ott through the establishment of a new endowed scholarship as well as an endowed distinguished professorship. The Belk College and its Turner School of Accountancy have both earned five-year accreditation renewals from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB International), the premier business accreditation organization in the world.
During the 2021-22 academic year, our faculty also continued to produce top research with more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, including 10 on the Financial Times “50 Journals” list. Belk College faculty also offered their expertise for interviews that were published in more than 40 local, national and international media outlets, including some of the nation’s largest media outlets.
We’re doing great work and are excited to share with you some recent examples.
Jennifer Troyer, Ph.D.
Dean, Belk College of Business