Haizheng Li Named Chair of the School of Economics

Haizheng Li will be the next chair of the School of Economics, effective July 1. Li was selected after a national search for a five-year appointment as chair.

Li, a professor in the School, has served as interim chair since Fall 2024. Under Li’s leadership, the School has experienced near record enrollment and met its Transforming Tomorrow campaign goal two years early. The School’s faculty has nearly doubled since 2018, strengthening research productivity and national and internal recognition.

Amanda Murdie, dean of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, says Li’s excellent leadership as interim chair and deep academic experience make him an ideal choice to lead the School’s next phase.

“The School of Economics’ momentum over the past few years has been remarkable,” said Murdie. “With Li’s guidance, the School has significantly increased enrollment and become an increasingly respected for its exceptional teaching and research.”

Li says his focus as chair will be supporting the School’s continued growth and the outstanding faculty, students, and staff who make it happen.

“Innovation, collaboration, and excellence in research and teaching have always been core pillars in the School of Economics,” Li said. “My goal for the next five years is not only to maintain a stable and collegial environment, but also to guide the SOE to a new level of growth and impact.”

Li’s planned initiatives include recruiting new faculty studying economics and AI, expanding the School’s M.S. and Ph.D. programs to train the next generation of economists, and increasing support for faculty research.

In his almost 30 years at the Institute, Li has served as an academic senate and general faculty assembly representative, information technology director, and the School of Economics Review, Promotion, and Tenure Committee chair, among other roles.

Li’s teaching and research focuses on applied econometrics, labor economics, and the Chinese economy, specializing in human capital-related issues, such as its measurement, accumulation, and labor market effects. Li is a member of the Advisory Board of China Economic Review and previously served as president of the Chinese Economists Society.

He has published 43 peer-reviewed journal articles, edited three special issues of China Economic Review, edited one book, and authored 18 book chapters. According to Google Scholar, his work has been cited almost 5,000 times and about 1,700 times since 2021.

His work has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the Mary S. and Richard B. Inman Jr. Faculty Excellence Award, two Gold Star Faculty Research Awards, and the Ivan Allen College Faculty Legacy Award.