Suzanne Hayes

Dr. Suzanne Hayes is a Professor of Finance in the Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), within the College of Business & Technology. She plays a key role in advancing finance education through initiatives such as the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program and the Student Managed Investment Fund, where she serves as faculty manager. She also directs the Nebraska Bankers Scholar program and mentors finance students.

• Ph.D. in Finance, University of Texas at Dallas
• MBA in Business Administration, East Carolina University
• B.S. in Business Administration, Nebraska Wesleyan University

Her research focuses on investments, personal finance, equity crowdfunding, and financial education. She emphasizes integrative thinking and practical financial decision-making in her teaching. Her work aims to equip students with lifelong financial literacy and professional readiness.

Her recent publications explore equity crowdfunding, student financing strategies, and pedagogical methods to enhance business education. These works reflect her commitment to bridging academic theory with real-world financial applications, particularly in student development and emerging financing models.

She has been recognized with multiple teaching awards, including the Outstanding Teacher Award (Untenured and Tenured) from the College of Business & Technology and the Outstanding Professor Award from Beta Alpha Psi.

• Outstanding Teacher Award, Untenured - CBT
• Outstanding Teacher Award, Tenured - CBT
• Outstanding Professor Award - Beta Alpha Psi

Suzanne secures grants to fund CBT scholarships for banking students and actively contributes to professional service by reviewing journal articles and judging SIFMA Stock Market Competitions. She advises both finance majors and Nebraska Bankers Scholar students, supporting their academic and career development.

She is a member of the Nebraska Financial Education Network (NCEE), Financial Education Association (FEA), and Financial Management Association (FMA), and leverages her industry experience from Zions First National Bank to enrich her academic work.