What ever happened to my favorite professor?

Although he retired in 1988, Arthur Dietz can still be spotted on campus and is fondly remembered by his colleagues in the Finance department. Dietz was recruited in 1954 from Wesleyan (and a previous stint at Princeton) to start the business school's MBA Program. Remembering those early days, Dietz says, "I had to handle all the jobs—recruiting, planning the curriculum, placing the grads.   Over time, I narrowed it down to just heading the program and teaching."

He was director of the MBA Program for twenty-five years then became chairman of the Finance department, where he ended his teaching career as the Mills B. Lane Professor of Finance and Banking. According to Dietz, "I had many exceptional students, including a number who achieved great success, including Jean Mori ’63MBA, the founder of Mori Luggage & Gifts; John Spiegel ’65MBA, CFO of SunTrust; and Charles Jenkins ’64BBA-65MBA, chairman of Publix."

In retirement, Dietz founded Strategic Portfolio Management, a company that managed investment portfolios for individuals in forty-five states. After his partner passed away, Dietz closed the business, but he has continued to manage the investments of a few long-time Georgia clients.  

Recently, The Atlanta Society of Financial Analysts, Inc., (ASFA) honored Dietz with a lifetime achievement award. ASFA membership chair Curtis Kimball ’84EMBA said Dietz is distinguished as an educator, as an investment funds manager, and for his lifelong commitment to service.—Perry Mitchell