Title: Assistant Professor of Finance
Company: Southern Methodist University
Location: Dallas, Texas, United States
Tarun D. Patel, PhD, Assistant Professor of Finance at Southern Methodist University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements and leadership in International Finance Research and Teaching.
Dr. Patel has led a notable career in international finance research and teaching, currently serving as an assistant professor of finance at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, since 2020. In this capacity, he conducts research, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, prepares teaching materials, monitors developments in global political and economic news, mentors students and writes examinations. Dr. Patel is recognized for his expertise in international finance and has made significant contributions to the field through his ongoing six-year research study on the impact of political partisanship on mergers and acquisitions in the United States. This work, which has been cited by The Financial Times, examines how political dynamics affect millions of Americans and stands as a testament to his commitment to impactful scholarship.
Before his academic appointment, Dr. Patel worked as a real estate salesperson with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers in Atlanta, Georgia, from 2012 to 2014. In this role, he applied his financial acumen to real estate transactions and client relations.
Dr. Patel began his professional journey as a Teach For America corps member from 2010 to 2012. During this period, he taught in a low-income, predominantly Black school in Mississippi. This formative experience shaped his dedication to education and social impact, leading him to pursue advanced research and teaching in finance.
Dr. Patel’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and economics from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, earned in 2010, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in finance and business economics from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, completed in 2020. His educational achievements have provided a strong foundation for his research endeavors and teaching excellence. Additionally, Dr. Patel earned a real estate salesperson certification from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC in 2011.
Throughout his career, Dr. Patel has maintained active membership in several prominent industry organizations, including the American Economic Association, The American Finance Association, the Financial Management Association, the Financial Research Association and the National Association of Realtors. These affiliations reflect his commitment to professional development and engagement with the broader business communities.
Meanwhile, Dr. Patel’s civic involvement extends to meaningful community engagement. He supports charitable organizations, such as the Arbor Day Foundation, Texas flood relief efforts, the local YMCA, and his neighborhood association through donations and active participation. These contributions underscore Dr. Patel’s dedication to fostering positive change both within educational settings and across broader communities.
Dr. Patel’s professional accomplishments have been recognized through several honors, including being nominated for the HOPE Award at Southern Methodist University in 2022 and being named Favorite Business School Professor by Poets & Quants that same year. Looking ahead, he intends to continue publishing influential research for policymakers and the public while maintaining steadfast support for his students’ academic and professional growth. Dr. Patel credits his success to the exceptional teachers and mentors who guided him throughout his educational journey, from elementary school through his doctoral program, instilling values of generosity, passion and a commitment to making a positive difference.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Dr. Patel: