ABOUT THE DEAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wen Mao, PhD

The Helen and William O'Toole Dean
The Villanova School of Business

Message From Dean Mao

"Our community is what makes the Villanova School of Business so special. Our faculty, staff, alumni, and partners all play an important role in providing students with individualized attention to educate the whole person, rooted in the Augustinian tradition. We do this through our academics, internships, faculty-student research, study abroad programs, and academic guidance and professional development from enrollment through graduation. Here at VSB, we are united in our shared commitment to truth, community, love, and service in search of our greater purpose.”


Profile

Wen Mao, PhD, serves as The Helen and William O’Toole Dean of the Villanova School of Business (VSB) and faculty member of the Economics Department. In this role, she serves as the chief executive, academic and fiscal officer for VSB.


Dr. Mao is strongly committed to improving the student experience through a focus on community and educating the whole person, increasing research productivity, and implementing the strategic mission of the School and University. Throughout her 28 years at Villanova University, Dr. Mao has served in a variety of roles. In 1995, she began her career at VSB as an assistant professor of Economics. In 2007, she served as the chair of the VSB Economics Department and continued to advance in her career before being named the associate dean of faculty in 2017 and vice dean in 2022.

As vice dean, Dr. Mao advised the dean on strategies and policies, led the academic operations of the School - including all undergraduate, graduate and executive education as well as VSB’s five Centers of Excellence - strengthened VSB’s budget process and collaborated with the advancement team to support fundraising efforts. She is an advocate for faculty, staff and students and is committed tocreating an inclusive community at VSB.

As an expert in game theory, public finance, micro theory, and industrial organization, Dr. Mao has been published in a variety of leading academic journals. She has also served on many boards and committees, including The Moran Center for Global Leadership Advisory Council, the Mission and Ministry Advisory Board, and the Academic Policy Committee. Additionally, she served as the faculty director for the Villanova Summer Internship Program in Asia.

She has received multiple research awards from VSB's Elenore and Robert F. Moran Sr. Center for Global Leadership and summer research awards. She was also honored with the Executive MBA Teaching Award in both 2020 and 2021.

Dr. Mao received her PhD and MA in Economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and her BA degree in Management from Shanghai Maritime Institute, P.R. of China.

Joyce E. A. Russell, PhD
2016 - 2023

Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD
2012 - 2015

James M. Danko
2005 - 2011

Thomas F. Monahan, PhD
1996 - 2003

John A. Pearce II, PhD
1995 - 1996

Alvin A. Clay
1977 - 1995

Rev. Philip F. Barrett, OSA
1962 - 1976

Rev. Joseph C. Bartley, OSA
1922 - 1962

COURSES TAUGHT

Graduate Level

  • Economics for EMBA
  • MBA International Practicum  
  • Game Theory

Undergraduate Level

  • Game Theory
  • Microeconomic Theory
  • Transition of China’s Economy
  • Public Finance
  • Sports Economics
  • Introduction to Microeconomics
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics