Philip Bond Appointed Chair of Foster Finance and Business Economics Department

The Foster School of Business has appointed Professor Philip Bond as the incoming Chair of the Department of Finance and Business Economics. Bond, the Edward E. Carlson Distinguished Professor in Business Administration, has been at Foster for 12 years and brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at leading institutions and his active engagement in research and teaching.

“The role of the chair is to facilitate an environment where faculty can teach effectively and pursue impactful research, and where students can thrive academically,” Bond says. “My goal is to maintain our current trajectory and ensure that my colleagues can continue to excel in their teaching and research.”

Balancing leadership with academic pursuits

According to Bond, while finance and economics fundamentals remain consistent, economic policies have recently become even more impactful on the day-to-day lives of students and the broader community.

“Real-world developments make benchmarks in practical finance more relevant than ever,” he says, citing advancements in the increased availability of information and lower trading costs.

Despite the administrative responsibilities, Bond remains committed to his academic endeavors. He currently teaches Introduction to Business Economics in Foster’s Full-Time MBA program. Bond believes there is a significant benefit to having collegiate administrators continue to personally teach classes, as it provides a direct connection with the students.

Philip Bond’s research spans ESG to AI

Bond also plans to emulate his predecessor, outgoing department chair Jarrad Harford, and continue to conduct and publish academic research while acting as department chair. His latest paper, a collaboration with fellow Foster professor Doron Levit, examines the impact of ESG policies on company performance.

Bond has published numerous studies on topics including corporate governance and the economic implications of artificial intelligence. His current research focuses on AI’s role in economic development, including its impact on pricing and in the financial markets.

“Philip fully appreciates the outstanding reputation the Finance and Business Economics Department has for exceptional research and teaching,” says “says Dean Frank Hodge. “As the department’s next leader, he is committed to maintaining this high level of performance while integrating emerging topics (e.g., AI) into the curriculum to prepare students for the ever-changing demands they’ll face in the business world.” 

Bond also serves as Vice President of the Financial Intermediation Research Society, where he plays a major role in organizing international conferences of economists and academics. He will soon be traveling to Seoul, South Korea, where he will chair a session at the organization’s annual conference. In addition, he has previously served as co-editor of the Journal of Finance and as President of the Finance Theory Group.

“Staying active in both teaching and research is crucial,” Bond asserts. “It keeps me connected to the core mission of the university and informs my perspective as an administrator.”

A department distinguished by teaching excellence

For prospective students, Bond points to the department’s exceptional teaching faculty as a key reason for studying economics at Foster. “Having been part of several finance departments throughout my career, I can confidently say that Foster’s commitment to high-quality teaching is remarkable,” he says. “This dedication significantly enhances the student experience.”

As he steps into his new role, Philip Bond is focused on sustaining the department’s strengths and exploring new opportunities for growth. “It’s an honor to serve as chair,” he reflects. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue advancing our department’s mission.”

Learn more about Foster School of Business Finance and Business Economics Department.