Professor spotlight: Betty Simkins

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Media Contact: Bailey Stacy | Communications Coordinator, Marketing & Communications | 405-744-2700 | bailey.stacy@okstate.edu

As a marketing and management undergrad student, the accounting, finance and economic classes were always a struggle for me. They never “clicked” or resonated with me.

I am more right brained than left brained. Which means, I tend to think more creatively, intuitively, and imaginative rather than quantitatively, analytical and numbers-oriented. Click on this article to read more about their differences and see which side of the brain you think on. When I asked Dean Eastman on Episode 28 of the Buzz On Business podcast, he said a “no brainer, I have some of each of them.” So you might also be someone with both characteristics.

Our next professor spotlight is someone who might be one of our most left-brained professors. She is the head of our finance department and Regents professor of finance, Dr. Betty Simkins. Simkins received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas. She then came to Oklahoma State to get her MBA with a concentration in finance, and then went on to get her Ph.D. in finance from Case Western Reserve University. Simkins has taught 13 different finance courses since 2002. These classes range from Finance, FIN3113, to Financial Theory and Corporate Policy, FIN 6053.

Here are a few of Simkins' non-analytical answers she provided when I asked the various “get-to-know-you” questions.

If you do research, what areas do you focus on? Why did you pick these areas?
Risk management and energy finance. These areas are very interesting to me.

If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you do? Explain why.
A medical doctor. I came very close to being a MD. Both of my parents were MDs and they loved it. I met my husband and there was not a medical school where we were living. So over time, I ended up getting a PhD. I love being an academic!

Can you do things/go on trips spontaneously or does it have to be planned in advance?
No, has to be planned.

Do you arrive to places 5-10 minutes early or on time?
On time.

How can students succeed in your class?
Be engaged. Study. Keep up with the material. Have a positive attitude and willingness to learn. Be respectful to all students and faculty. Use proper communication skills. If you are struggling, let me know early. Do not wait until pre-finals week when it is too late. And of course, do not commit academic integrity violations.

How long have you lived in Stillwater?
24.5 years.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Walking with our dog, yoga, going to the gym, watching movies, spending time with my four children, their spouses, and my grandchildren. I have even taught yoga before but prefer to be the participant in yoga classes. I also like spin classes.

What is your favorite OSU tradition?
Making the OSU letters with our arms :-). I also love hearing the band play. I played trumpet in the Razorback band for two years.

Story By: Alexis Hightower | alexis.hightower@okstate.edu