Kathleen A. Farrell
Dean, College of Business, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kathy Farrell is the James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, a role she’s held since 2017, after serving nearly a year as interim dean. Previously, she served as associate dean and as chair of the Department of Finance.
Farrell led a strategic planning process to guide the college with a new mission, guiding principles, and strategic initiatives. She led the development of a new undergraduate business and law major, several online graduate programs, and new continuing education offerings for professionals to help meet workforce demands. She cultivated donor support to create nine new endowed faculty chairs and the Inclusive Business Leaders program and expanded free tutoring services and scholarship funding.
An expert in the areas of executive compensation, executive turnover and succession, and other corporate governance issues, Farrell has published articles in numerous academic journals and currently serves on the boards of Nelnet, Assurity, and Bryan Health.
She earned her PhD in finance from the University of Georgia and her bachelor's degree from Kent State University.