Published on April 2, 2025 by Catherine Smith  

Brock School of Business remembers the life and legacy of Kay Guess, a beloved and cherished member of the Samford University community, who passed away earlier this spring. Guess' unwavering dedication to Brock School of Business and her profound impact on the field of accounting have left an indelible mark on countless students and colleagues.

Guess' journey with Samford's Brock School of Business began in 1993, serving until 1997, and resumed in 2012, culminating in her retirement in the summer of 2021. During her tenure, she was instrumental in establishing foundational elements of the accounting program, including the creation of the first Accounting Advisory Board and the initiation of the Accounting Program Awards Banquet. Her visionary efforts significantly enhanced the connection between students and the accounting profession, fostering opportunities that continue to benefit graduates today. ​

"Dr. Kay Guess was a dedicated educator and mentor whose impact on Brock School of Business and the accounting field will endure for generations," said Chad Carson, dean of Brock School of Business. "Her passion for her students' success and unwavering commitment to excellence left a lasting legacy in the Samford community. We are deeply grateful for her contributions, and she will be greatly missed."

Beyond her contributions to Samford, Guess was a distinguished member of the North American Case Research Association (NACRA). In 2021, she was honored as a NACRA Fellow, the organization's highest recognition, celebrating her exceptional service and lifelong achievements in case research, writing and teaching. In recognition of her long-time service as treasurer, NACRA will also name an award in her honor. Her involvement with the organization spanned more than two decades, during which she served on both the executive and foundation boards and received numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions.

In tribute to Guess' remarkable career and lasting influence at Samford, Brock School of Business established a scholarship endowment in her name upon her retirement in 2021. This scholarship continues to support deserving accounting students, ensuring that her legacy of mentorship and excellence endures for generations to come. 

GIVE: Key Guess Accounting Program Excellence Fund

Kay Guess' passion for teaching, commitment to her students and contributions to the academic community will be deeply missed. Her legacy at Samford and in the field of accounting education remains a testament to her life's work and dedication.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.