Rachel D Hayes
Rachel Hayes is a distinguished professor and the George & Dolores Eccles Presidential Chair at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business. A respected scholar in the field of accounting, she has built a career defined by academic excellence, institutional leadership, and meaningful contributions to research and education. She served as Dean of the Eccles School from 2021 to 2024, guiding the college through continued growth, strategic initiatives, and a strengthened commitment to student success and faculty development.
Rachel’s academic journey began at Oberlin College, followed by an MBA from the University of Colorado. She went on to earn her Ph.D. from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, establishing a strong foundation for her future in academia. Prior to joining the University of Utah, she held faculty positions at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Her recent visiting appointments at MIT Sloan further reflect her standing as a leading voice in her field.
An accomplished researcher, Rachel’s work has been widely published in top academic journals, contributing valuable insights into accounting, trust culture, financial distress, and executive compensation. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing both scholarship and the broader academic community. With more than two decades of experience at the University of Utah, she continues to shape the next generation of business leaders through teaching, mentorship, and continued engagement in high-impact research.
• Stanford University Graduate School of Business
• University of Colorado
• Innovation Speed of Business in Award
• National Kidney Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my strong faith, which has guided and grounded me through every chapter of my life. I’m also deeply family-oriented, and their love and encouragement have been a constant source of strength. Most importantly, my husband has always supported me wholeheartedly—he goes above and beyond to make sure I feel uplifted, capable, and never alone in pursuing my goals.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you trust yourself. Stay curious, keep dreaming, and never lose sight of where you're headed. You are capable of more than you know.