Christian Vossler, the Gerber/Taylor Professor of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business, has been named head of the Department of Economics effective August 1.
Vossler succeeds Bill Neilson, who announced his retirement at the end of the spring semester after a tenure with accomplishments in faculty recruiting, program growth, research productivity and departmental visibility. Shortly before announcing his retirement, U.S. News & World Report published rankings of economics doctoral programs that placed UT at 45th among public universities nationwide and 72nd overall. The last economics doctoral programs ranking done by that publication was in 2013, at which time UT was not included.
Vossler, who has spent 14 years in UT’s economics department, credits the leadership and vision of Bill Neilson and his predecessor, Bob Bohm, with establishing a team-oriented culture and collaborative work environment that attracts faculty talent and catalyzes success.
“I have seen how leadership matters, and how strong and positive leadership can guide us to better outcomes,” Vossler says. “My main objective is keep us driving forward along our excellent trajectory. I intend to help realize our goals through effective communication and resource allocation, as well as by removing any impediments faced by my colleagues.”
Vossler hopes to implement strategic initiatives to improve faculty, staff and student recruitment and retention, as well as to improve students’ job readiness and increase the visibility and reputation of the department.
