Ketner School of Business
At the Ketner School, you will be immersed in business education that prepares you to tackle the world’s most significant challenges.
We take pride in blending training for the ever-changing world of business, meaningful experiences, and the enduring values of liberal studies.
You will learn from our exceptional teacher-scholars in both traditional business disciplines such as Accounting, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Systems Management, and Advertising & Branding, as well as in business-adjacent disciplines such as Communication Studies, Computer Science, Data Science, Television, Film and Streaming Media, and Mathematical Sciences.
Start your Ketner School of Business journey below!
Our Programs
Our Departments
Catawba College proudly announces that Ketner School of Business student Hannah Wagenaar and faculty members Dr. Jennifer Yurchisin and Dr. Joanna Trammell presented their collaborative research at the prestigious American Collegiate Retailing Association (ACRA) Conference on March 14, 2025.
The Ralph W. Ketner School of Business at Catawba College successfully hosted its 2nd Annual Hackathon on March 28, 2025, bringing together 86 high school students from across Rowan-Salisbury Schools (RSS). Students from North Rowan, South Rowan, East Rowan, West Rowan, Carson, and Salisbury High Schools participated in this innovative and competitive event.
Catawba College proudly announces the formal induction of the first student and alumni members of its new chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE), International Economics Honor Society. The chapter, officially named North Carolina Psi, held its inaugural induction ceremony on April 24, 2025, honoring four of the five founding members.
Catawba College's Ralph W. Ketner School of Business proudly welcomed back Melissa Shandor ’98 as a Visiting Executive on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Shandor, a distinguished Catawba alumna, returned to campus to share her professional journey, insights, and expertise with students, faculty, and staff.
Catawba College's Ralph W. Ketner School of Business was honored to welcome alumni Ashley Bornkamp (’20) and Carson Talboys (’21) back to campus for a special accounting-focused event held on Friday, October 17.
Catawba College held its annual 1851, Tower Society, and Adrian Shuford Jr. Award Dinner on April 21st where President David P. Nelson presented the esteemed award to D. Bryan Jordan, Catawba class of 1984.
Catawba College proudly announces that Dr. Pam Thompson, Professor in the Ralph W. Ketner School of Business, was a featured presenter at the prestigious Charlotte Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference on March 13, 2025.
Catawba College is proud to announce that Dr. Eric Hake, Professor of Economics, Secretary Treasurer of the Association for Evolutionary Economics (AFEE), and Faculty Advisor for the Catawba College Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) within the Ketner School of Business, delivered a Keynote Address at the 3rd International Financial Forum: “Rising Challenges in Economic, Financial, and Business Development” in France. Dr. Hake’s speech focused on “Institutions and the Evolution of Society” and was presented on September 5th, the second day of the three-day conference.
Aaron Daniel Annas, MFA, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Arts and Media at Catawba College, was invited to attend a New York City screening of The Wrong Road, a powerful new short film he co-produced alongside Emmy Award-winning television writer Tom Fontana (Oz, Homicide: Life on the Street).
Catawba College is proud to highlight the accomplishments of Ashley Fortin, a student in the Ralph W. Ketner School of Business, who completed a rewarding summer 2025 internship with the Salisbury Farmer’s Market under the guidance of market supervisor Leigh Ann Powlas.
Catawba College was recognized for its social impact and sustainability achievements when the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) results were launched on June 18th at the UN PRIME Global Forum. The Ketner School of Business at Catawba was one of 88 business schools from 30 countries worldwide that took part in the rating this year and achieved level 4, making it a “Transforming School” within the PIR.
“Making Social and Economic Change” was the topic of the morning April 2 at Catawba College as Dr. Deb Figart, of Pennsylvania and professor emerita, Stockton University, addressed a group of students, professors and other guests.
Impact, Innovation, and Recognition
These distinctions reflect KSOB’s commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and meaningful societal impact.
A Business College of Distinction
The Ralph W. Ketner School of Business at Catawba College recently received the 2025-2026 Business College of Distinction award from the Colleges of Distinction. This award was given to the Ketner School of Business for its interdisciplinary curriculum, outstanding professional development initiatives, and commitment to affordability. Building on Catawba College’s liberal arts foundation and cutting-edge business training, students at the Ketner School of Business are prepared to enter the workforce with practiced leadership skills and the ability to succeed in an ever-evolving society.
Positive Impact Rating: Transforming School
The Ketner School of Business was recognized for the second year in a row as a Level 4 “Transforming School” in the 2025 Positive Impact Rating, a global assessment conducted by students and for students to evaluate how business schools create meaningful societal impact. Based on student feedback collected by Catawba’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter, the recognition places KSOB among a select group of institutions worldwide demonstrating an embedded culture of positive impact with visible results across sustainability and community engagement. The insights gained from the PIR continue to guide our ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand KSOB’s impact-focused programs and initiatives.
AACSB Business Education Alliance Member
The Ketner School of Business is a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Business Education Alliance, a global network of leading business schools and industry partners dedicated to advancing business education and elevating positive impact. Alliance membership deepens KSOB’s access to thought leadership, benchmarking resources, and peer collaboration, strengthening our commitment to continuous improvement, strategic innovation, and exceptional student preparation for a rapidly evolving business landscape.
ACBSP Accredited
Catawba College is accredited by the prestigious Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs for: Accounting (BA); Business Administration (BS) with concentrations in Accounting, General Management, Marketing, International Business, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Information Systems, and Communication; Business Administration (BBA online) with concentrations in Business Management, Information Systems, and Professional Accounting; and Economics and Finance (BA). ACBSP’s student-centered teaching and learning approach focuses on recognizing teaching excellence, determining student learning outcomes, and a continuous improvement model ensuring you will gain the skills employers want.
Outcomes
Outcomes
Alumni Spotlight: During her time at Catawba, Elizabeth Renteria learned valuable concepts that she uses today in her job, citing, “The accounting courses provided a solid foundation for my financial modeling skills today.” Read Elizabeth's Story
Our graduates are shaping the business world in positions including CPA, Financial Advisor, Software Support Analyst, Web Developer, Search Engine Optimization Specialist, Human Resource Manager, Banker, and Small Business Owner. Graduate schools include UNC-Charlotte, N.C. State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill.
