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. 
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.”
Categories: Faculty News, Inside WFU
Farrell Hall grand opening is Friday
Please join the School of Business as it dedicates and celebrates the official grand opening of Farrell Hall on Friday, Nov. 1.
The opening of Farrell Hall unifies Wake Forest’s undergraduate and graduate business programs under one roof with one vision. The generous donors intended for Farrell Hall to be a welcoming place and a valuable resource for the entire campus community, so come join in a day of camaraderie and celebration.
Schedule (click for details):
11 a.m.– noon: Dedication of Farrell Hall (outside Farrell Hall front entrance closest to Wait Chapel)
Noon–2 p.m.: Campus & Community Open House
2–4 p.m.: Keynote Broadcast (Broyhill Auditorium)
Moderator: Al Hunt (’65, D.Litt. ’91), columnist for Bloomberg View and host of “Political Capital” with Special Guests & Alumni Panel:
“The Noble Profession of Business”
- Charlie Ergen (MBA ’76), Co-Founder & Chairman, DISH Network Corporation and EchoStar Corporation
- David Farr (’77, P’07), Chairman and CEO, Emerson
- Eric Wiseman (’77, MBA ’88, P ’07), Chairman, President and CEO, VF Corporation
“The Legacy of Mike Farrell (P’10, LLD ’13)
- Mary Farrell (P’10), University Trustee
- Wellington Denahan, Chairman and CEO, Annaly Capital Management, Inc.
Categories: Events
