The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Siyu Wang as the new chair of the Department of Economics. Dr. Wang, a professor at the Barton School since August 2020 and head of the Behavioral Economics Lab, succeeds Jen-Chi Cheng, who has expertly led the department for more than 20 years.
“Siyu’s appointment highlights our ongoing commitment to advancing the Economics Department, building on Jen-Chi’s exceptional leadership over the past two decades,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Siyu’s unwavering dedication to excellence will be instrumental in shaping the future of the department and our school.”
In her new role, Dr. Wang will focus on developing the economics curriculum, enriching the student experience through hands-on learning opportunities, and building stronger connections between students and industry professionals. She is also dedicated to fostering an environment that supports faculty in their professional and academic growth.
“At the Barton School, we want our students to not only learn economics but also to contribute to its evolution,” Dr. Wang said. “My goal is to build a department known for its academic excellence while giving students the practical skills and real-world experiences they need to thrive in a fast-changing global economy.”
Before joining Wichita State, Dr. Wang worked in the Department of Economics at Missouri State University and in R&D analytics at Ford Motor Company. She holds both her doctorate and master’s degrees from George Mason University. Her research has been featured in leading journals, including Games and Economic Behavior, Experimental Economics, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Southern Economic Journal, Journal of Economic Psychology, and Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics.
“I am most excited about the chance to work more closely with our students and collaborate with our faculty to shape both our department and the broader economy,” Dr. Wang said. “I look forward to cultivating a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where students can thrive and faculty can pursue innovative research.”
For more information about the Barton School, visit www.wichita.edu/barton.