Dr. Andrew Ojede named Interim Chair of Finance and Economics at McCoy College

SAN MARCOS, Texas — The McCoy College of Business at Texas State University has announced the appointment of Dr. Andrew Ojede, the Dean Paul R. Gowens Excellence Professor in Business, as interim chair of the Department of Finance and Economics.

Ojede, an associate professor of economics, succeeds Dr. Haiyong Liu, who recently transitioned into the role of associate dean for faculty success and research at McCoy College.

Since joining Texas State in 2013, Ojede has built a distinguished record of research, teaching, and service. His past research has explored topics in applied macroeconomics, international economics, and economic development and has been published in top-ranked journals including Energy Economics, The World Economy, Economics Letters, and Contemporary Economic Policy.

During his tenure, Ojede has earned multiple McCoy College faculty honors, including the Gary V. Woods Research Award and the Robert J. Olney Early Career Research Award for his research contributions.

He has also held several leadership and service roles across McCoy College and Texas State. He chaired the McCoy College Governance Committee, served as Faculty Senate representative, and led the Department of Finance and Economics faculty search committee. He has supported student success through departmental tutoring and the college’s undergraduate and graduate research symposia.

In his new role, Ojede said he plans to focus on building a high-performing academic community by strengthening faculty development, supporting research, and creating clearer pathways for professional growth. His priorities also include improving the visibility of faculty research, expanding opportunities for students to engage in research and industry partnerships, and integrating AI into teaching and scholarship. 

He also hopes to enhance the department’s resources and research infrastructure to support recruitment and retention, as well as Texas State’s broader R1 goals. This refers to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which designates universities with "very high research activity." The “Run to R1” is a strategic effort by the university to increase research and development, improve student success, and expand the university's global impact. 

“I am energized by the opportunity to serve the department in a broader leadership capacity,” Ojede said. “My record of scholarship, mentoring, governance, and external engagement has prepared me to help advance departmental goals while supporting the success of its faculty and students.”

Ojede is well-positioned to lead the Department of Finance and Economics through its transition while continuing to advance the department’s teaching, research, and service priorities. ✯