Business Fellows to Recognize Former Director

October 28, 2024
Allen Seward

The Baylor Business Fellows Program will honor Allen Seward, PhD, the former program director, at the next Director’s Series gathering on Friday, Nov. 1, at the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation. 

Seward, who will retire in May 2025, served as the Business Fellows director from its inception in 2007 until May 31, 2024. 

“Dr. Seward has been an instrumental force for so many Business Fellows alumni,” said Charles North, PhD, the current director of the program. “His passion for his students has inspired them to chase their dreams and achieve great things. The program is as strong as it is today because of his phenomenal leadership and thoughtful character.” 

The Director’s Series, held in Foster 250 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., will see two Business Fellows alumni, Taylor Hoogendoorn, BBA ’15, and Daniel Huizinga, BBA ’15, sit down with Seward and discuss his career and service to the program. 

Seward began teaching at Baylor in 1976 after earning his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Master of Science in Economics from the University. He left in 1983 to attend the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, where he earned an Master of Arts in Risk and Insurance and a PhD in Managerial Science and Applied Economics. He returned to Baylor in 1987 as an associate professor of Insurance and Finance. 

In his time as a professor, he served the University and the Hankamer School of Business in a number of ways. He served as chair of the Department of Finance from 2006-2013, a member of the BEST Program Development Committee, and a member of the University Administrative Committee which oversaw financial decisions such as employee benefits offerings. 

Seward is credited with making the Economics major a more rigorous education, North said. After earning his master’s degree in Economics, he realized the subject should be taught with a calculus foundation, which intensified the courses and enhanced the major overall. 

“My time with the Fellows has been special because the students and alumni have been so special,” Seward said. “They are my family. We have shared sorrows, delighted in laughter, overcome trials, and worked to realize meaning and purpose in our life together.”

The Director’s Series is open to the public and those interested in attending can RSVP here. Alumni, colleagues and friends are also encouraged to share positive memories or words of support with Seward.