Liad Wagman Appointed Permanent Dean of Illinois Tech’s Stuart School of Business
Under Wagman’s leadership as interim dean, enrollment at Stuart has more than doubled with a robust expansion of its interdisciplinary, tech-focused curriculum
CHICAGO—October 2, 2023—After more than a year of dedicated and visionary leadership, Liad Wagman has been appointed permanent dean of the Stuart School of Business at Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech). Wagman has been an integral part of the Stuart community for more than 14 years and has held the position of interim dean since June 1, 2022.
“I’m truly honored and humbled to take on this role and continue the incredible work we’ve started here at Stuart,” said Wagman. “Our approach draws on a prestigious history of more than 125 years of seamlessly bridging business and technology at Illinois Tech, and provides our students with exceptional preparation for both the jobs of today, as well as the dynamically evolving challenges of tomorrow. At Stuart we all are dedicated to innovation in business education and delivering phenomenal programs and student outcomes, and I am excited to continue that mission, tradition, and prestigious history. I am grateful to continue working with incredibly dedicated colleagues, students, alumni, and friends and community members at Stuart.”
Under Wagman’s leadership in the interim role, Stuart has seen a remarkable 140 percent growth in enrollment since the beginning of the fall 2022 semester. Moreover, he has been instrumental in the innovation and redesigning of the college’s curriculum, introducing forward-thinking programs tailored to today’s industry needs. Notable among these are the five new Tech+ majors—interdisciplinary degrees that blend core principles from fields such as business, engineering, psychology, information technology, policy, and cybersecurity.
“Liad’s vision and relentless commitment to innovation and excellence have significantly advanced the mission of Stuart School of Business,” said Illinois Tech Provost Kenneth T. Christensen. “He has not just led the school through a period of remarkable enrollment growth, but has also been pivotal in reshaping the curriculum to make it more responsive to the rapidly evolving needs of today’s industries. It’s clear that Liad’s leadership and expertise make him the perfect fit for this critical role as we chart the course for Stuart’s future.”
As an academic, Wagman’s pioneering research has significantly influenced regulatory discussions globally, specifically framing digital policies in the United States, European Union, and other nations. He has testified in federal hearings and to representatives from the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and White House Council of Economic Advisers, as well as serving as the senior economic and technology adviser to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, working under two White House administrations. As a professor of economics, Wagman has taught at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, and was selected to Poets & Quants 2015 Best 40 Under 40 Professors.
“Liad embodies the spirit of Illinois Tech and its vision of empowering students of all backgrounds and preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow,” said Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi. “His passion for interdisciplinary education and focus on the integration of technology and business has set a new standard, not just for Stuart, but for business education nationwide.”
Wagman has received numerous honors over his distinguished career for both scholarly research and teaching, including the Sigma Xi Excellence in University Research Award, the Bauer Family University Excellence in Teaching Award, and multiple best paper awards.
“The growth and transformation we’ve witnessed over the past year are just the beginning,” said Wagman. “With the support of the incredible Stuart community, I am confident we can achieve even greater heights.”
Photo: Liad Wagman
Illinois Institute of Technology
Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and progress for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the living lab of the city, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.
Stuart School of Business
Stuart School of Business, a prestigious institution with a history dating back to the late 1890s, is the only business school in Chicago located within a tech-focused university, uniquely bridging business and technology. Offering rigorous, applied programs in analytics, finance, economics, marketing, and management for undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree-seeking students, Stuart prioritizes career readiness by providing abundant opportunities for internships, career placement, experiential learning, and networking through its connections in the global business and financial center of Chicago. Over its 125-year journey, business education at Illinois Tech has been consistently refined through curricular innovations and foundational scholarly works.
Media contacts
Kevin Dollear
Communications Manager
Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 773-860-5712
kdollear@iit.edu
