Assistant Professor of Finance Serkan Karadas has been named the PNC Distinguished Professor in Banking and Finance at the University of Illinois Springfield. The endowed professorship will provide Karadas with significant financial support to conduct research and other academic-related activities.

“Karadas is a modern-day renaissance man of banking and finance,” said Somnath Bhattacharya, dean of the UIS College of Business and Management. “He is an intellectually curious, detail-oriented professional who possesses a sense of humor, while focused on helping his students, and is active with our local and professional communities, as well as on a national level.”

As part of his new professorship, Karadas hopes to expand access to networking activities with local bankers and financial professionals to help broaden industry-relevant relationships and grow the school’s network. He also expects to collect critical information needed to advance the development of the school’s finance curriculum, boost student enrollment and identify opportunities for student employment. He will also obtain additional data helpful for influential market research and carry out empirical research centered on the industry.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this endowed position,” Karadas said. “This academic distinction is a significant milestone in my career and life. I am very thankful to my institution and PNC for this incredible opportunity. With the support of this position, I look forward to creating more possibilities for myself, my students, UIS and for our community."

Karadas joined UIS in January 2021 and since then has taught classes which support bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in finance and economics. Prior to transitioning to UIS, he was a tenured faculty member in the Department of Economics and Finance at Sewanee: The University of the South. He received his doctorate in economics from West Virginia University in 2014 and received his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2022.

“PNC is honored to celebrate Karadas and all he has done and will continue to do through this professorship to advance research and innovation in banking and finance,” said Brian Ray, PNC regional president for central Illinois. “As students cultivate their skills, knowledge and professional networks to become the next generation of business and community leaders, the value of having a dedicated and passionate teacher in their lives cannot be overstated.”

The endowed professorship is made possible through support by PNC Bank and the PNC Foundation. Since 2001, PNC has been committed to enhancing educational opportunities in banking and finance.