Dr. Siyu Wang Appointed Chair of Barton School’s Department of Economics
Aug. 12, 2024
By Barton School of Business
About the W. Frank Barton School of Business
The W. Frank Barton School of Business is the home of real and applied learning. A
place where students apply knowledge gained from faculty and business leaders while
developing professional and life skills. The Barton School is among the top 1% of
business schools worldwide due to its double AACSB accreditation in business and accounting.
Housed in the award-winning building, Woolsey Hall, features artwork, sculptures,
gardens, and The Promise Bridge – a 300-foot-long pedestrian bridge over the water
in front of the building.
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.”
