Kate McCombs joined the Brock School of Business faculty in 2021 as an assistant professor of management and entrepreneurship. She teaches courses in leadership, human resources and organizational management and entrepreneurship, with a strong emphasis on leader development, self-leadership and the human side of organizational performance.

McCombs earned her undergraduate degree in finance and her master’s degree in international business from the University of Florida. Prior to entering academia, she worked in finance with Siemens Healthcare in New York City and Raleigh, North Carolina and later transitioned into a sales role in Nashville, Tennessee. She returned to academia to pursue her doctorate in business management at Florida Atlantic University and subsequently held a visiting faculty position at Tennessee Technological University. 

Her research focuses on leadership, identity work and gender roles, with recent publications examining narcissism, charisma and character in U.S. presidential elections. Across her scholarship, teaching and applied work, McCombs is particularly interested in how leaders develop clarity, discipline and character to positively influence others.

In addition to her academic work, McCombs partners with organizations to support leadership development through workshops, coaching and applied research. She is deeply committed to community engagement in Birmingham and abroad, including global leadership experiences for students. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, fitness, travel and spending time with her two young daughters who keep her very busy and grounded.