Emre Unlu

Emre Unlu is a distinguished Professor of Finance and the Associate Dean of Faculty and Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business. His academic journey includes a Ph.D., M.S., M.A., and MBA from the University of Missouri, along with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Middle East Technical University (M.E.T.U). As a CFA® Charterholder since 2011, he specializes in corporate finance, with a focus on payout policy, executive compensation, international finance, and debt contracting.

• Education: Ph.D. in Finance (University of Missouri, 2007), M.S. in Applied Mathematics (University of Missouri, 2005), M.A. in Economics (University of Missouri, 2005), MBA (University of Missouri, 2002), B.S. in Civil Engineering (M.E.T.U, 1999)

Unlu's research explores critical intersections of corporate finance and governance, particularly in payout policy, executive compensation mechanisms, and international finance dynamics. His work has significantly advanced understanding of how dividend smoothing affects firm valuation, the interplay between insider trading laws and dividend policy, and the influence of analyst coverage on corporate financial metrics.

His publications in top-tier journals like the Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, and Management Science reveal trends in debt contracting, earnings management through repurchases, and regulatory implications of financial practices. Notably, his 2014 paper on "Executive Compensation and the Maturity Structure of Corporate Debt" established foundational insights in debt governance, while his 2022 work on creditor rights and acquisitions highlights evolving corporate strategies.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Graham and Dodd Scroll Award (2009)
  • Multiple Distance MBA Teaching Awards (2011-2019)
  • Best Paper Award - Financial Review (2012)
  • Layman Grant Recipient (2007)
  • Faculty Research Award (2008-2009)

Unlu has received substantial recognition for his teaching excellence and research contributions, including the Pinnacle Bank Faculty Award (2008, 2009, 2017), Seacrest Faculty Award (2012), and numerous teaching nominations. His work has been cited in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and PBS, underscoring its practical and societal impact.