Kenan-Flagler alum and professor, Kenan Institute Fellow, investment consultant and golf enthusiast Patrick Hartley (BSBA ’76) shared some thoughts about his longtime engagement with Kenan-Flagler and support for the Kenan Scholars program. Patrick recounted his career after graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill, acknowledged those who have mentored and supported him, and shared words of wisdom for students and others well into their career pursuits.
What can you tell us about your education and career interests?
I will always remember my first day in Chapel Hill as a wide-eyed first-year student having lunch at the Carolina Inn cafeteria. It was one of the happiest days of my life and the beginning of my connection to UNC-CH and KFBS. I was a BSBA major long before the development of the current KFBS campus, and I’m excited that the groundbreaking for a new building and expansion of our facilities will take place this fall! Many of my classes were in Carroll, Hanes, and Phillips — all on main campus. As an undergraduate, I benefited from getting to know so many smart, dynamic, interesting people with diverse backgrounds. Many professors had a profound impact on me as well, including Jay Klompmaker, Isaac Reynolds, Art Benavie, Jim Leutze, Bernard Boyd and Gerald Unks. Following graduation, I returned home to Washington, D.C., and began a career in banking focused on investment portfolio and treasury management.
I earned an MBA degree in finance and investments from George Washington University’s School of Business. I place a high priority on ongoing education. It’s important to remain curious, embrace change and never stop learning. I try to make time to read as much as possible every day. And it’s especially good to get out of your comfort zone. That is why I have changed lanes numerous times in my career, leading me to my current role as an investment consultant with a global financial services firm. It is a privilege to help others achieve their dreams.
What is your role at the Kenan Institute and at Kenan-Flagler?
I am fortunate to be a fellow at the Kenan Institute. We are carrying on the vision and mission set out by our founder, Frank Kenan — leveraging the combined power and strengths of the private, public, nonprofit and academic sectors with a goal of improving the lives of all in North Carolina and beyond. Fourteen years ago, I joined the board of the KFBS Foundation. I completed my last term in June of this year. It was an honor and privilege to serve on the board for so many years. I move on knowing that Kenan-Flagler, under the leadership of Dean Doug Shackelford, is well positioned to be at the forefront of business education in the future. One of the greatest joys of my life was to be a professor at KFBS, teaching the alternative investments course. I will always be grateful to Greg Brown, Bill Moore and Mustafa Gultekin for their encouragement and providing me with the opportunity to teach and share my expertise
What is your interest in the Kenan Scholars Program?
The values and tenets of the program are fully aligned with the vision of Frank Kenan. Kenan Scholars participate in a program designed to deepen their exposure to the private, public and academic sectors. I am excited about the program as it is today but even more excited about its potential for growth. Additional funding is critical if we are to reach our goals, which include being recognized as one of the premier undergraduate business school leadership programs in the country.
What would you like to see next with the program?
First, we need an endowment to provide long-term financial stability and support for the program. This will allow for the expansion of staff and designation of separate space for students within the Kenan Center and help cover internship and research-related expenses, including scholar stipends and travel. We need to expand and diversify our Board of Mentors. Diversity must be a priority across the spectrum at all levels of the program — faculty, staff, mentors and scholars. Mentorship is an integral part of the Kenan Scholars experience. Personally, I have benefited throughout my life and career from mentors, including Luther Hodges, Christy Shaffer and Michael Ryan.
What is something about you that few people know?
When I was much younger, I completed four marathons, including the 1982 NYC Marathon.
What is the last book you read?
“From Strength to Strength,”by Arthur Brooks. It’s so thought-provoking and an especially good read for highly motivated, successful, Type A individuals in midcareer, which includes many of our KFBS alums.
What is your favorite hobby?
That is an easy one. I really enjoy playing golf. There are so many aspects that attract me to the game — the rules and traditions, the natural beauty of the courses, and occasionally striking a pure iron shot within a few feet of the pin. Most of all, I enjoy the hours spent on the golf course with others who are drawn to the game. My life has been enriched by playing golf with so many wonderful, interesting people, especially my wife and brothers! Away from Chapel Hill Country Club, my favorite courses that I have had the pleasure to play are Bandon Dunes, San Francisco Golf Club, Pebble Beach and The Ocean Course at Kiawah.