"Bern Beatty" Archive

Former students and colleagues remember Professor Beatty and reflect on his enduring legacy

Wake Forest University announced on August 10 that beloved educator Bernard Lee “Bern” Beatty, retired associate professor of management in the business school, passed away on August 4, at the age of 92. Former students, mentees, colleagues and friends have shared stories and reflections about Beatty’s profound impact on their lives. Alumni have also honored his legacy with gifts in his name, which will continue to benefit Wake Forest students for years to come. Photo of Professor Bern Beatty sitting at a table outside of Farrell Hall with Bern Beatty Scholars Lori Bremer (MBA '07) anad Karl Burns (MBA '08)

Beatty is remembered for his kindness, mentorship, generosity and the way he inspired his students to grow professionally and personally to make a difference in the world. He taught accounting, management and case writing at Wake Forest for 42 years, from 1974 to 2016. Beatty was recognized as a Babcock Educator of the Year six times between 1975 and 2003.

“Professor Beatty’s impact on the lives of so many Demon Deacons is truly unmatched,” said Charles Iacovou, former dean of the School of Business. Iacovou is now dean of the School of Professional Studies and vice provost for Charlotte Programs. “The engaging courses and international experiences he led over the years provided impactful learning opportunities to his students and helped them stretch their managerial acumen, critical thinking and global mindset. Professor Beatty always sought to tackle big ideas with all of his academic endeavors and invited the students to be his equal partners in those intellectual explorations,” Iacovou said.

“Alumni, and particularly our MBA alumni, frequently ask about Dr. Beatty,” said Michelle Roehm, interim dean of the School of Business. “They are quick to say how grateful they are for the special role he played in their development as business leaders and as citizens of the world. I was honored to serve alongside him as a colleague. He will be greatly missed.”

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Categories: Faculty NewsInside WFU

Bern Beatty, retired professor of business, passes away

We are saddened to share that Bernard Lee “Bern” Beatty, retired associate professor of management in the business school, passed away on August 4. He was 92 years old.

Beatty taught accounting, management and case writing for 42 years, from 1974 to 2016; he was recognized as a Babcock Educator of the Year six times between 1975 and 2003.

For several years of his Wake Forest career, Professor Beatty awarded the prestigious Bern Beatty Scholarship, an annual full-expenses two-year scholarship, to support exceptional business school students; this endowed scholarship continues to be awarded annually in his honor. The Bern Beatty Faculty Fellowship for outstanding business professors was established by alumni to recognize his teaching and mentorship.

The Bern Beatty Colloquium in Farrell Hall, home of the Wake Forest School of Business, was named for him. Read more

Categories: Faculty NewsInside WFU

President: In honor of faculty, staff retirees

This message was emailed to faculty and staff May 12 from President Hatch:

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As we prepare to celebrate Commencement and the achievements of the Class of 2016, we also pause to recognize and honor the outstanding careers of our retiring faculty and staff members.

Please join me in thanking this distinguished group of leaders, colleagues, mentors and friends and congratulating them on many years of service to Wake Forest:

Faculty

Umit Akinc, Professor, School of Business
Bern Beatty, Associate Professor, School of Business
Jonathan Christman, Associate Professor, Theatre and Dance
Yomi Durotoye, Associate Teaching Professor, Politics and International Affairs
Clay Hipp, Senior Lecturer, School of Business
Beth Hopkins, Director of Outreach, School of Law
Charles Lewis, Professor, Philosophy
Mary Martin Niepold, Associate Professor of the Practice, English
David Stroupe, Associate Professor of the Practice, Health and Exercise Science
Frank Tupper, Professor, School of Divinity
Byron Wells, Professor, Romance Languages

Staff

Donnie Adams, Manager, Facilities and Campus Services
Keith Allred, Assistant Director, Information Systems
Gary Alwine, Business Manager, Biology
Kathy Arfmann, Assistant Director, Finance Systems
Craig Bartholomew, Transportation Assistant, Graylyn
Garry Blankenship, Shuttle Driver, Parking and Transportation
Sandra Boyette, Senior Advisor to the President, President’s Office
Michael Caporaletti, Parking Enforcement Officer, Parking and Transportation
Julie Edelson, Editor, Researcher, Research and Sponsored Programs
Larry Etchison, Service Technician, Facilities and Campus Services
Jim Gardner, Service Technician, Facilities and Campus Services
Betsy Gatewood, Associate Director of CERE, Innovation and Creativity
Bill Giroux, Maintenance Technician, Graylyn
Reba Greene, Mail Service Clerk, Mail Services
John Henderson, Director, Information Systems,
Margaret Kittrell, Nurse, Student Health Service
Nancy Moore, Executive Assistant, President’s Office
Preston Oldham, Police Lieutenant, University Police
Nancy Respess, Assistant to Associate Deans, College Summer Administration
Joanne Ritter, Administrative Coordinator, University Advancement
Rick Rumley, Police Sergeant, University Police
Bruce Sanspree, Special Projects Coordinator, University Police
Debbie Walker, Conference Coordinator, School of Law
Keith Wise, Superintendent, Facilities and Campus Services

To our 2015-2016 retiring faculty and staff, thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us for so many years. Your countless contributions will have a lasting impact on our campus, and you will forever be a part of our Wake Forest family.

Sincerely,

Nathan O. Hatch
President

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