Collins Okafor

I am an experiential educator committed to student advising and mentorship, with a teaching philosophy that emphasizes bridging theory with practice. My approach centers on applied learning, enabling students to cultivate practical skills that prepare them for complex real-world challenges. I take pride in fostering both the academic and personal growth of my students through meaningful, hands-on engagement.

I serve as an Associate Professor of Finance at North Carolina A&T State University. I earned my Ph.D. in Finance from Texas A&M International University and hold multiple graduate degrees, including an MBA in International Banking & Finance, a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc), an M.Sc. in Information Systems, an M.Sc. in Business Analytics, and an M.Sc. in Computational Data Science & Engineering. I am also a Certified Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA). My professional background includes roles as a Credit Analyst with Wachovia Bank, Property Agent with VIP Realty Associates, and Investment Consultant with Reinvent Rebuild Group. Collectively, this combination of academic expertise, industry experience, and professional service enables me to prepare students for meaningful and impactful careers in finance.

With a multidisciplinary background in finance, data analytics, and engineering, I have also consulted for organizations on investment strategy, risk management, and financial regulation. These experiences enrich the insights I bring to teaching, scholarship, and service. Motivated by a passion for finance, I remain dedicated to advancing the discipline while creating spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation—particularly in preparing the next generation of financial leaders.

I remain active in academic and professional communities. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Southwestern Finance Association (SWFA), where I previously held the role of Vice President for Local Arrangements and now serve as Vice President for Finance. From 2018 to 2023, I was Faculty Advisor to the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), guiding students in applied investment management. My commitment to mentorship was recognized with the Academic Advisor of the Year Award (2018).