Raymond K. Van Ness

After a 19-year career as a business executive, Raymond K. Van Ness transitioned to academia, bringing practical, real-world experience into the classroom. Most recently, he served as a professor at the University at Albany, where he taught for more than 25 years and led the School of Business capstone course, Strategic Management. As the culminating course required of all undergraduate business majors, it gave him the opportunity to work closely with generations of students as they prepared to launch their careers.

Over the course of his academic career, his teaching was consistently recognized by students and the School of Business, earning multiple teaching honors. In 2023, he was named Torch Professor at the University at Albany, one of the University’s highest distinctions, an award voted on by students and confirmed by a faculty committee in recognition of outstanding teaching and meaningful student impact.

He was also honored to serve as a speaker at both graduation and convocation ceremonies, reflecting the strong connections he built with students and the broader university community.

A veteran of the United States Army, Professor Van Ness brings a strong sense of discipline, perspective, and service to his work. He holds a Ph.D. in Management from Union University, along with degrees in accounting and a master’s degree in adult education.

In addition to teaching, he has contributed to the field through more than 25 peer-reviewed journal publications and over 20 academic conference presentations.