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More Than an Educator —
A Visionary Leader in Accounting and Cybersecurity

Meet Dr. Kemi

Dr. Kemi Ajayi is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), where she blends her deep expertise in accounting, technology, and cybersecurity to empower students, professionals, and organizations. With a career that spans academia and industry, Dr. Kemi is committed to fostering innovation, promoting diversity, and driving impactful research that shapes the future of financial and information systems.

Dr. Kemi Ajayi’s career is driven by a deep commitment to empowering others through education, innovation, and investment. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the community, she strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those she engages with.

Educational Background

Dr. Kemi’s academic journey is a testament to her dedication to lifelong learning and excellence. She began her education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she earned three degrees:

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Systems, Analysis, and Technology (2000)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA, 2003)
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting (2005)

Her passion for accounting and technology led her to pursue a PhD in Accounting with a concentration in Accounting Information Systems from the University of Central Florida, which she completed in 2014. This rigorous academic training has equipped Dr. Kemi with a unique perspective, allowing her to seamlessly integrate technology and accounting in her research and teaching.

Professional Experience

Before embarking on her academic career, Dr. Kemi gained valuable industry experience as a computer programmer at Stuller, Inc., the leading manufacturer and supplier of jewelry to retail jewelers. At Stuller, she developed programming solutions for the company’s sales and distribution systems, showcasing her ability to apply technical skills in a business context.

Her transition to academia has been marked by a commitment to research that addresses real-world challenges in accounting information systems, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Dr. Kemi’s work is characterized by a focus on judgment and decision-making in financial reporting, the impact of cloud computing, and the critical importance of cybersecurity disclosures.

Research & Teaching Interests

At CU Denver, Dr. Kemi is known for her dynamic teaching style and her ability to connect complex theoretical concepts with practical applications.  Dr. Kemi’s research has been published in leading academic journals.
Her research interests include;

  • Judgment and Decision-Making in Interactive Financial Reporting: Exploring how individuals and organizations make financial decisions in dynamic environments.
  • Impact of Cloud Computing on Accounting Information Systems: Investigating how cloud technology is transforming the way financial data is stored, processed, and analyzed.
  • Data Analytics: Utilizing advanced data analysis techniques to uncover insights and trends in financial data.
  • Cybersecurity Disclosures: Examining the role of cybersecurity in financial reporting and the implications for organizations and stakeholders.

Dr. Kemi’s research has been published in leading academic journals, and she is frequently invited to present her findings at conferences and seminars around the world.

Professional Involvement & Contributions:

Dr. Kemi is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in academia. She serves on the CU Denver Faculty Assembly Ethnic Diversity Committee, where she plays a key role in reviewing and recommending policies that support minority faculty and students. Her commitment to diversity is also reflected in her involvement with several professional organizations, including:

  • American Accounting Association (AAA): Active member of the Information Systems section.
  • Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA): Engaging with professionals in the fields of IT governance, risk management, and compliance.
  • Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS): Supporting the advancement of women in the cybersecurity field.

In addition to her academic and professional contributions, Dr. Kemi is an instructor for the CU Denver GenCyber Summer Program, a National Security Agency (NSA) and National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded initiative that provides cybersecurity education to K-12 students.

Angel Investment & Entrepreneurship

Beyond academia, Dr. Kemi is deeply involved in the entrepreneurial community as an angel investor. She serves on the investment screening committee for the Midlothian Angel Network, one of North America’s fastest-growing angel networks. In this role, Dr. Kemi leverages her expertise to identify and support promising startups, helping them navigate the challenges of early-stage growth and achieve market success.

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