Professors Given Phi Kappa Phi and Young Scholar Awards

L: Grant R. McQueen; R: Keith P. Vorkink

PROVO, Utah — Oct 18, 2007 — Brigham Young University recognized finance professor Grant R. McQueen with the Phi Kappa Phi Award and business management associate professor Keith P. Vorkink with the Young Scholar Award at the annual University Conference August 28.

The Phi Kappa Phi Award is presented annually to a BYU faculty member who excels in scholarly and creative endeavors, exemplifies integrity and contributes to BYU through citizenship and service. Holding the William Edwards Professorship in Finance, McQueen is an outstanding teacher, scholar and citizen of the university. He is a demanding and entertaining teacher who maintains high expectations for his students. His research on investment and corporate finance has been published in over 30 articles in leading academic journals. He also serves his community by coordinating groups of students who teach personal finance courses at local elementary schools.

“Grant is the consummate professor,” says Michael Swenson, chair of the Business Management Department. “He epitomizes exceptional teaching, outstanding research and strong character. His work with research and teaching colleagues is exemplary. My association with him has made me better.”

The Young Scholar Award acknowledges outstanding contributions by faculty in the early stages of their academic careers. Vorkink joined the Marriott School faculty in 2000 and has served as the Ford Faculty Fellow since 2001. He received the Top Research Award from the Business Management Department in 2004 and the Top Research Award from the Marriott School in 2005. In 2003, the Marriott School Finance Society presented Vorkink with the Outstanding Professor Award.

“Keith is becoming a star researcher, and he excels in teaching and citizenship too,” Swenson says. “More importantly, he raises the research productivity and quality of the rest of the faculty. He has been a wonderful addition to our faculty.”

Additionally, several Marriott School faculty members received advancements in rank for the 2007-2008 academic year. Craig B. Merrill, R. Bruce Money and Scott E. Sampson advanced to professors of business management. The new associate professors are Conan C. Albrecht and Bonnie B. Anderson of information systems, David W. Hart of public management and Nile W. Hatch of organizational leadership and strategy.

The Marriott School is located at Brigham Young University, the largest privately owned, church-sponsored university in the United States. The school has nationally recognized programs in accounting, business management, public management, information systems and entrepreneurship. The school’s mission is to prepare men and women of faith, character and professional ability for positions of leadership throughout the world. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled in the Marriott School’s graduate and undergraduate programs.