John J. McConnell stands as a prominent figure in the field of finance, holding the esteemed Burton D. Morgan Distinguished Chair of Private Enterprise at Purdue University’s Krannert Graduate School of Management. His tenure at Purdue, beginning in 1976, marks a career dedicated to education, research, and significant contributions to the financial world. Beyond his professorship, John McConnell has taken on numerous leadership roles within the Krannert School, including Director of Doctoral Programs and Research, Area Coordinator of Finance, and Academic Director of Professional Masters Programs, showcasing his commitment to shaping future generations of finance professionals.
Professor McConnell’s academic journey is rooted in a strong educational foundation. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Denison University in 1968, followed by an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh in 1969. His pursuit of advanced knowledge led him to Purdue University, where he completed his PhD in Finance in 1974. His academic achievements have been further recognized with an honorary doctorate from University College Dublin and the Smurfit Business School, underscoring his international impact and scholarly reputation. Before establishing himself at Purdue, John McConnell gained experience teaching at Ohio State University, the University of Minnesota, and Stanford University, building a diverse perspective on financial education across different academic environments.
Throughout his professorship, John McConnell has been lauded for his exceptional teaching abilities. He has received repeated recognition through the Salgo Noren Outstanding Teacher Award, winning it an impressive five times. His effectiveness in the classroom has also been acknowledged with the Most Effective Teacher MSM Program Award and multiple Dean’s MBA Core Course Outstanding Teacher Awards. These accolades reflect John McConnell’s dedication to providing impactful and engaging education in corporate finance, investments, and capital markets to both graduate and undergraduate students.
John McConnell’s expertise extends beyond academia into significant roles in corporate governance and financial oversight. He has served on the Boards of Directors for several financial institutions, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and Harrington Financial Group, Inc., among others. His board service has included active participation on key committees such as Investment, Compensation, and Audit Committees, demonstrating his deep understanding of financial operations and risk management. Currently, John McConnell contributes his expertise to the Advisory Board of the Global Finance Academy at University College Dublin, maintaining his connection to international finance education and leadership.
John McConnell with his grandsons, reflecting personal interests outside of his professional finance career.
As a sought-after consultant, John McConnell has advised numerous investment banks, including industry giants like Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs. His consulting work also encompasses government agencies such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Department of Justice, reflecting the breadth of his expertise and the trust placed in his financial acumen by both private and public sectors. Furthermore, John McConnell has provided expert consultation to over 50 law firms across the United States, offering guidance on complex financial matters ranging from corporate valuation and mergers to derivatives and mortgage-backed securities. His consulting experience covers a wide spectrum of critical financial topics, including sub-prime lending, money management, and bank practices.
Professor John McConnell pictured with one of his grandsons, showcasing a balance between professional life and family.
John McConnell’s contributions to the field of finance are significantly underscored by his extensive scholarly publications. He has authored over 100 articles in leading peer-reviewed journals and edited books, covering a wide array of topics such as stock and bond valuation, portfolio management, and derivative securities. His scholarly achievements have been formally recognized with honors such as being named Distinguished Scholar of the Eastern Finance Association and a Fellow of the Financial Management Association. His influence in academic finance is further demonstrated through his service on the Editorial Boards of numerous prestigious journals, including the Journal of Finance, Financial Management, and the Journal of Corporate Finance, among others, actively shaping the direction and quality of research in the field.
John McConnell surrounded by his granddaughters, highlighting family life alongside his professional achievements.
Professor McConnell with his granddaughters, in a more casual setting, showing a personal side to his professional image.
In conclusion, John McConnell’s career embodies a multifaceted and impactful journey in finance. From his long-standing professorship at Purdue University and his dedication to teaching excellence to his extensive consulting work and significant scholarly contributions, John McConnell has left an indelible mark on the field. His leadership roles, board memberships, and numerous accolades further solidify his position as a distinguished and influential figure in finance and business education.
