Samford University’s Brock School of Business welcomes four new faculty members in the 2026-27 academic year, bringing professional expertise and a commitment to student success.
Leff Bonney joins Brock School of Business as an associate professor of marketing. Currently an associate professor of marketing at Florida State University, Bonney teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in sales and sales management. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he co-founded the FSU Sales Institute, the International Collegiate Sales Competition and serves on the Board of Directors for the Sales Education Foundation.
“I’ve had a wonderful career at Florida State, so for me to make a move at this stage of my career, it had to be a place that felt special,” said Bonney. “Samford and Brock School of Business immediately stood out because of their strong sense of community, their commitment to students and the opportunity to be part of a business school that is both highly regarded and still very focused on personal relationships.”
He is especially excited about helping students connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to really know my students and have an impact on their development, not just as salespeople or marketers, but as young professionals,” Bonney said. “Samford’s close-knit culture and its connection to the Birmingham business community make it an especially exciting place to do that.”
Bonney holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee, an MBA from the University of Georgia and a PhD from the University of Tennessee.
Javier Rivera-Catalán joins Brock School of Business as an instructor of economics. A macroeconomist specializing in international macroeconomics and finance, Rivera-Catalán's research focuses on how commodity price cycles and structural shocks affect sovereign risk, fiscal policy and macroeconomic stability.
Rivera-Catalán worked for seven years as a research economist in Chile, serving in positions with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Chile.
“I chose Samford and Brock School of Business because of their strong commitment to academic excellence, student-centered education and Christian values,” Rivera-Catalán said. “I was especially drawn to a community where faith and learning come together and where teaching and investing in students are at the heart of the university’s mission.”
He looks forward to building meaningful relationships with students while helping them develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.
“I am excited to work closely with students and help them develop the analytical and problem-solving skills they will carry beyond the classroom,” he said. “I look forward to challenging and supporting my students while getting to know them personally and contributing to their academic and professional growth.”
Rivera-Catalán earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Catholic University of the North in Chile, a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Chile, a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Houston and a PhD in Economics from the University of Houston.
Nancy Hartin joins Brock School of Business as a visiting instructor of accounting, teaching Principles of Accounting and Personal Finance. Hartin brings decades of experience in both public and private accounting, having worked with Ernst & Young, Harbert Management Corporation and several Birmingham-area businesses. She previously served as an adjunct instructor at Samford University and as assistant lecturer in accounting and career strategist at Birmingham-Southern College.
A Samford alumna, Hartin’s own experience as a student shaped her desire to return to the classroom.
“I am grateful for the relationships and encouragement I received as an undergraduate throughout my accounting education from the business faculty,” Hartin said. “I look forward to carrying on the faculty mentoring spirit with challenging education undergirded by biblical principles that make Brock School of Business experience unique.”
Assisting students during a transformative season of life is particularly meaningful.
“Working with college students is a delight and privilege, especially to be part of their journey from students to young professionals,” she said.
Hartin earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Samford University, a Master of Accountancy from the University of Alabama and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Beeson Divinity School.
Bosang (Bo) Kim joins Brock School of Business as a visiting instructor of finance. Kim brings extensive industry and academic experience, having worked at IBM, Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan Chase, Société Générale, Credit Suisse and Brevan Howard US Investment Management. He has also taught finance and economics at Baruch College, Fordham University, Manhattanville College and the University of Alabama.
Kim said he was drawn to Samford's Christ-centered culture and sense of purpose.
“Throughout the application process and interviews, I noticed that Samford has a distinctive culture,” said Kim. “I noticed the high standards of integrity and excellence of the faculty and administrators. I sensed a wholehearted desire to serve the Kingdom of God.”
For Kim, teaching is rooted in a higher calling.
“I am excited to see how God teaches His children as I work as His assistant.”
Kim's academic credentials include a PhD in economics from the University of Alabama, a PhD in applied physics from Columbia University, a Master of Science in economics from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Science in physics from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
