2015 Best 40 Under 40 Professors: Jeremy Kees, Villanova

Jeremy Kees

Associate Professor of Marketing

Villanova School of Business

 

Cigarette warning labels and skinny models both have one thing in common. They’ve been investigated by Jeremy Kees for their use in advertising and their effects on consumer behavior. Professor Kees’ expertise in consumer welfare issues has made him a sought-after expert by federal agencies and news media alike. He’s a member of the FDA Risk Communication Advisory Committee, where he advises various government agencies about risk communication strategy and policy. He also serves as an ongoing Special Government Employee, a role in which he provides direction on various FDA initiatives. His service to academia includes Associate Editor for the Journal of Advertising and Director of Villanova’s Center for Marketing and Consumer Insights.

Age: 36 

At current institution since: 2006 

Education: PhD, Marketing, University of Arkansas, 2006

 Courses currently teaching: Competitive Effectiveness (undergraduate), Data Driven Decision Making (MBA), Strategic Marketing Management (MBA) 

Professor you most admire: Scot Burton, professor and endowed chair at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas (my mentor and dissertation chair). Scot is one of the most prolific marketing scholars in the field and has had an immeasurable impact on my career.

“I knew I wanted to be a b-school professor when” I realized how much influence professors can have on the lives of young people. I still keep in contact with the marketing professor and mentor I had as an undergrad.

“If I weren’t a b-school professor” I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I have the best job in the world! 

Most memorable moment in the classroom or as a professor: I spent a sabbatical teaching and researching in Australia. That was an unforgettable experience. 

What professional achievement are you most proud of? Being recognized as one of the 40 most outstanding b-school professors under 40 

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Interacting with my students 

What do you enjoy least? Assigning grades

Fun fact about yourself: I played college basketball and scored over 1,000 points for my career.

Favorite book: Too many great ones to pick a favorite 

Favorite movie: Christmas Vacation

Favorite type of music: Country/Island Music. Zach Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett 

Favorite television show: SportsCenter 

Favorite vacation spot: Cairns, Australia; in particular Kewarra Beach Resort…..paradise! 

What are your hobbies? Playing basketball, traveling, and spending time with my family.

Twitter handle: @jeremykees 

“If I had my way, the business school of the future would have” Streaming video of all courses being taught, available to everyone for free. I absolutely love learning from “open” lectures and courses offered online.

Students say…

“Dr. Kees is my favorite teacher at Villanova and I plan to take every course that he teaches. I came into this class not really knowing my major but after having him as a teacher, I’m certain I want to be in marketing.”

– student survey

“One of the best teachers I’ve had. The reason I switched my major to marketing.”

– student survey

“Dr. Kees does a fantastic job of making marketing concepts relevant, enjoyable, and easy to understand. He has a lot of knowledge and advice to share and always does so in a fun and friendly manner.”

– student survey

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