📍Current Position

H. Kent Baker is a University Professor of Finance at American University’s Kogod School of Business, where he has been a faculty member since 1975. Over the years, he has held various academic and administrative positions, including Chair of the Department of Finance and Real Estate, Kogod Research Professor, and Director of the Finance Center of Excellence. His long-standing career in academia has been marked by teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses in finance, with a particular focus on psychological biases of investors.

 

📝Publication Achievements 

Professor Baker has a prolific publication record, with 46 books, 217 peer-reviewed journal articles, and numerous other publications under his belt. His research has contributed significantly to various fields, especially behavioral finance, where he examines the psychological biases of investors. Notable publications include An Advanced Introduction to Behavioral Finance (2023) and The Palgrave Handbook of Social Finance (2024). He has also authored monographs, working papers, and papers under review, continually contributing to financial scholarship.

 

🔍Ongoing Research 

Baker’s ongoing research projects delve into contemporary issues in finance. His work in progress includes studies on dividend preferences, ownership structures, and systemic crises in banks. One of his most fascinating ongoing studies is “Drivers Affecting Cryptocurrency Adoption”, which reflects the growing importance of digital currencies. His research consistently explores the implications of financial decisions, especially focusing on how investor psychology and biases influence market behavior.

 

🔬Research Interests 

His research interests lie at the intersection of finance and psychology, with a particular emphasis on understanding how psychological biases of investors shape market outcomes. He also explores topics such as cryptocurrency, corporate governance, and capital budgeting practices in emerging markets. Baker’s work often bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, providing valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policy-makers

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🎓Academic Background 

Baker has an impressive academic background, having earned multiple advanced degrees from prestigious institutions. His educational journey began with a BSBA in Management from Georgetown University, followed by an MBA and DBA in Finance from the University of Maryland. He later obtained an MEd in Educational Administration and several other advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Counseling and Development and a CMA from the Institute of Management Accountants. This strong academic foundation has positioned him as a leading expert in finance and behavioral studies.

 

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

As a researcher, Baker has undertaken a range of projects, from empirical analyses to developing theoretical frameworks in finance. His projects have covered diverse topics, including dividend policy, capital budgeting, and the behavior of cryptocurrency investors. He has served as a thesis advisor for doctoral candidates, contributing to the development of the next generation of financial scholars.

 

🚀Success Factors 

Baker attributes his success to a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a passion for understanding investor behavior. His interdisciplinary approach—merging psychology, finance, and economics—has been pivotal in shaping his research. Additionally, his involvement in teaching, research, and consulting has allowed him to stay at the forefront of industry trends, continuously expanding his expertise.

 

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience