News Releases

The University of Kansas School of Business inducted Jim L. Martin and Jill Sadowsky Docking into the School’s Distinguished Alumni on April 22 at The Oread Hotel in Lawrence. The two School of Business graduates were recognized for their great success in business and commitment to their community.

Docking received her Master of Business Administration from the School in 1983 and has used her skills to better businesses, the state of Kansas, and the country since then.

She has been a member of various boards including many at the University of Kansas, such as the Alumni Association Board, the Advisory Board of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the School of Business Finance Advisory Board.

In 1999 she founded the Financial Fitness Foundation and currently serves as its president. Currently the chair of the Kansas Board of Regents, she has served since 1996.

Martin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from KU in 1952. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Jim launched a career in public accounting that covered the course of 40 years.

He served on a variety of boards, including president of the University Club and chair of the School’s Accounting Accreditation committee.

Martin joined the Kansas City office of Baird, Kurtz and Dobson in 1955, where he went on to serve as partner in charge for 20 years. At BKD, under Martin’s leadership, the company expanded from 12 employees, when he joined, to a staff of 135, when he retired in 1994. The firm is now located in 12 states with 32 offices.

The School of Business established the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998 to honor its outstanding alumni. Award recipients are chosen from the nominations of other alumni and the School’s Board of Advisors.