Associate Professor Thomas Korankye’s promotion has marked a significant milestone in global academia. As a Ghanaian financial planning scholar, Thomas Korankye has been awarded tenure at the University of Arizona.
The promotion recognises Prof. Korankye’s contributions to research, teaching, financial planning education, and professional service within the United States and beyond.
Prof. Korankye currently serves as Associate Professor of Financial Planning and CFP Board Programme Director at the University of Arizona, where he has established himself in the fields of household finance, financial literacy, retirement planning, and consumer financial well-being research.
Born in Tikrom in the Ejisu Municipality of Ghana, Prof. Korankye’s academic foundation began at Kwakokrom L/A Primary School in the Amansie West District, continued through Bomso M/A JHS, and later at Kumasi High School, where he distinguished himself in leadership roles including Dining Hall Prefect and Chief Usher of Scripture Union.
He later earned a First Class Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Ghana before pursuing advanced studies internationally through multiple master’s degrees in finance, personal financial planning, and related fields across the United States, Sweden, and Norway.
His academic journey culminated in a PhD in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University.
In addition to his academic qualifications, Prof. Korankye holds internationally recognised professional certifications, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Enrolled Agent status with the United States Internal Revenue Service.
His research focuses on household financial decisions, financial literacy, student debt, retirement planning, caregiving, and overall financial well-being. Over the years, he has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, four industry white papers, and delivered over 25 conference presentations across international academic platforms.
Some of his notable works have been published in respected journals including Review of Behavioural Finance, Managerial Finance, and the Journal of Family and Economic Issues, strengthening his global academic profile in financial planning research.
Before joining the University of Arizona, Prof. Korankye served as Senior Lecturer at Kumasi Technical University and also taught at Garden City University College, where he contributed significantly to finance and entrepreneurship education.
Throughout his career, he has received several international recognitions, including Outstanding Reviewer Awards, the GOLD STEVIE® Award for research excellence, and multiple competitive research fellowships. He has also contributed to securing over one million dollars in research grants from institutions including MissionSquare Research Institute, Charles Schwab Foundation, and internal funding bodies at the University of Arizona.
Prof. Korankye also serves on several editorial boards and peer review panels for leading international finance journals, reinforcing his influence in shaping global financial planning scholarship.
At the University of Arizona, he played a key role in establishing the Financial Technology Lab, designed to promote innovation and practical learning in financial planning education.
Prof. Korankye has expressed a special appreciation to Dr. Charlene Kalenkoski, a professor in the United States, and to Texas Tech University for funding and supporting his doctoral studies.
Reflecting on his promotion, he credited his late grandfather, Opanin Kwabena Kumah, for his early support and guidance, alongside the encouragement of family members, mentors, friends, and institutions across Ghana and abroad.
