Axton Betz-Hamilton

Axton Betz-Hamilton is an Associate Professor at the Ness School of Management and Economics, South Dakota State University. Their research focuses on familial identity theft, financial exploitation of older adults by family members, and trauma recovery. Betz-Hamilton holds multiple degrees from institutions like Iowa State University and Purdue University, specializing in human development and family studies.

Key professional roles include serving as President of the Housing Education and Research Association, an Associate Editor for the Journal of Financial Therapy, and committee memberships in financial counseling organizations. Notable awards include the South Dakota Humanities Council Scholar (2021-2024) and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award (2020).

Research spans victimology, elder abuse prevention, and housing policy. Recent work analyzes consequences of identity theft, elder financial exploitation dynamics, and pandemic impacts on hybrid education. Grants include studies on healthy homes initiatives and familial identity theft victim narratives.

Leverages trauma-informed approaches in financial counseling and advocates for policy improvements in elder protection. Publications combine academic rigor with accessible true crime narratives like The Less People Know About Us, exploring identity theft's human dimensions.