Dr. Wen Mao will become the Helen and William O’Toole Dean of the Villanova School of Business (VSB), effective Aug. 1, writes Arrman Kyaw for Diverse.

“Given Dr. Mao’s long and productive history as a Villanova faculty member, coupled with her deep understanding of Villanova’s distinctive Augustinian approach to education, it quickly became clear that she was the right candidate to lead VSB,” said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, president of Villanova University.

Mao now serves as vice dean of the business school. She had been the Villanova School of Business associate dean of faculty and chairman of the Department of Economics.

While at the Villanova business school, Mao helped create the first study abroad program in Asia and directed its Asian Internship program.

Mao’s academic work has focused on game theory, public finance, micro theory, and industrial organization.

She has a B.A. in management from Shanghai Maritime Institute (People’s Republic of China) and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Business School Dean Joyce Russell stepped down from her position in May 2023 after leading the school for seven years. She is now dean emeritus, teaching in the business school’s department of management and operations.

Read more about Dr. Wen Mao in Diverse.