Thursday, August 8, 2024
In 2009, he became the first black student to earn a PhD in Personal and Financial Planning
Dr. Ajamu Loving鈥檚 passion is financial literacy: educating people about money. From saving to investing, from buying a home to planning for retirement.
Dr. Ajamu Loving, Associate Professor of Finance, UNT Dallas School of Business
As an associate professor of finance at the , Dr. Loving is dedicated to making financial planning more accessible to all. 鈥淚鈥檓 a people person who is also good at numbers,鈥� Dr. Loving said.
He is especially focused on closing the race-based wealth gap, the historic disparity documented in the 1995 book, , by Melvin Oliver and Thomas Shapiro. The authors鈥� groundbreaking research analyzed wealth - total assets and debts rather than income alone - to uncover deep and persistent racial inequality in America. It provided systematic empirical evidence that explained the racial inequality gap between blacks and whites.
鈥淔inancial health is fuel to create wealth - the pillar of wealth-building and quality of life,鈥� Dr. Loving said. His passion aligns directly with UNT Dallas鈥檚 mission to improve socioeconomic mobility in southern Dallas and surrounding communities.
UNT Dallas is home to the . CSME collaborates with businesses, community groups, nonprofits and researchers to innovate ways to improve economic opportunities for residents of southern Dallas.
Dr. Ajamu Loving at UNT Dallas Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies
Dr. Loving served as chairman of the Trailblazer Advisory Group, which created the for , which is now under construction at I-35E and Marsalis Ave., adjacent to the Dallas Zoo. The analysis by Dr. Loving and three UNT Dallas School of Business colleagues projects the deck park will have a five-year economic impact of $800 million to $1 billion.
鈥淭here are endless opportunities,鈥� Dr. Loving said. 鈥淭his shows what can happen with development in historically underinvested areas.鈥� He believes the park鈥檚 impact will radiate out and that what is beginning to happen in southern Dallas is the 鈥減erfect positive storm for growth.鈥�
Such growth will accelerate the need of nearby residents for financial education, as their property values (and taxes) increase, demand for land grows and additional development sparks. They will face challenges and opportunities related to money.
Dr. Loving鈥檚 dedication to financial literacy and his accomplishments inside and outside the academic world led to his recent recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus of the Texas Tech University Graduate School. In 2009, he was the first African American to graduate with a Ph.D. in Personal and Financial Planning from Texas Tech.
A social media post notes the three things Dr. Loving aims to teach people about money and personal finances
鈥淚t (Texas Tech) gave me the opportunity to make history,鈥� said Dr. Loving. His advice to others who want to succeed is simple. 鈥淧ut your head down, stay focused on your passion.鈥�
Living in Lubbock where Texas Tech is located helped Dr. Loving focus. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the embodiment of Texas,鈥� he said. 鈥淏oots, hats, tumbleweeds. Comfortable. The slower pace I needed.鈥�
One of the lessons Dr. Loving learned, which he espouses frequently, is 鈥淧eople are more important than things.鈥� He uses the phrase with his students at UNT Dallas and in public to emphasize the importance of education and expertise when it comes to personal finance.
He compares financial health to physical health. Individuals can check their pulse,
heartbeat, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and weight. But they also need regular
exams and expert advice from doctors. 鈥淧eople still need professionals,鈥� Dr. Loving
said, 鈥渢o improve their access to knowledge and human capital, especially when it
comes to investing.鈥�
Whether it鈥檚 in a classroom, a conference room or a board room, Dr. Loving鈥檚 commitment
to financial literacy is the driving force behind his message and his achievements.
鈥淭he rewards can surpass expectations,鈥� he said.
From - faculty