The CoBA Connection

Leading with Insight and Heart:
Meet Interim Associate Dean of CoBA 

By: Rajvee Subramanian, College of Business and Analytics 

Dr. Scott Gilbert, a longtime professor of economics at the College of Business and Analytics (CoBA), has stepped into the role of Interim Associate Dean. Known for his student-centered approach and strong academic background, Gilbert is bringing fresh energy to the college’s leadership. 

With years of experience in economic research and university service, Gilbert aims to support the Dean’s strategic vision while fostering innovation across teaching, research, and student engagement. “It’s about helping Salukis succeed in a changing world,” he said 

With over a decade of experience as an economics professor at SIU, Dr. Scott Gilbert brings both intellectual depth and personal warmth to his role as Interim Associate Dean. His tenure has been defined not only by academic excellence and impactful research, but by the genuine relationships he builds with students. Dr. Gilbert’s approachability and mentorship have left a lasting impression so much so that he’s been invited to multiple former students’ weddings and was even gifted a Nissan Cube by one appreciative graduate. These moments are a testament to the deep respect and affection his students have for him.   

Economic Vision Meets Administrative Leadership 

At the heart of Gilbert’s leadership style is his background in economics a discipline, he notes, that’s all about making wise decisions under scarcity. “We’re fortunate at SIU to have a wealth of talent and potential, but being thoughtful about how we allocate time, money, and energy is key,” he explained. “That mindset helps shape how we support faculty, students, and the broader goals of the college.” 

Working closely with Dean Marc Morris, Gilbert has embraced his role as a strategic partner, helping bring the Dean’s long-term vision for CoBA to life. That vision includes increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening industry partnerships, and preparing students to lead in a rapidly evolving business landscape. 

Guiding Through Disruption 

One area of focus for Gilbert is the rise of artificial intelligence and disruptive technologies. “AI is here, and it’s changing everything from how we analyze data to how we think about productivity and innovation,” he said. “Business education must adapt. That means helping our faculty stay ahead through professional development and giving students more real-world learning opportunities.” 

That future-facing mindset extends to his work with students on blockchain and cryptocurrency. A decade ago, Gilbert bought Bitcoin from a former student, an investment that turned out to be not just lucrative but also inspirational. Since then, he’s helped launch the Blockchain Economics Club and supported a campus-wide blockchain initiative, nurturing curiosity and innovation in areas most business schools are only beginning to explore. 

A Leader with Heart 

Beyond strategic planning and tech-forward initiatives, Dr. Gilbert is deeply committed to student success. “Young people are the future,” he said with a smile. “Working with them, supporting them, seeing them go on to shape the world, that’s what makes this job worth it.” 

He encourages students to explore internships and hands-on learning. “I didn’t do an internship myself back in the day, but I now understand how transformational those experiences can be especially in a world shaped by AI and constant change.” 

Gilbert is also known for his accessibility and rapport with students. Whether advising on blockchain projects or just chatting after class, he’s always approachable. What sets him apart is his deep connection with students. “Young people are the future,” he says. “Working with them is a privilege.” Whether he’s discussing internships, cryptocurrencies, or career paths, Gilbert’s leadership is grounded in curiosity, care, and commitment. 

Outside work, he enjoys meditation, writing short stories, and creating artful doodles.  

His advice to students? “Follow your curiosity. Try something new. That’s how you grow.” 

Turning Real-World Challenges into Research Breakthroughs:
CoBA Welcomes New Faculty Member 

The College of Business and Analytics is proud to welcome a new faculty member Soo Jeong Lee, whose journey from industry to academia is a testament to how real world problems can spark meaningful research. 

Before pursuing her Ph.D., Soo worked as an associate manager at a government affiliated finance agency in South Korea, where she supported small tech startups. Because many of these startups lacked collateral to secure bank loans, she evaluated their viability and provided credit guarantees so that they could access funding. “It was a rewarding experience, meeting CEOs and helping new companies grow,” she reflected. But her work also revealed frustrations. Strict government rules often limited which firms could receive support. For example, during the boom of augmented reality games like Pokémon Go, she met promising companies developing AR technology but was unable to provide them funding due to narrow eligibility guidelines. 

That experience became a turning point. “I realized that if I could influence policy design through research, I could make a greater impact,” she explained. This realization led her to pursue a Ph.D. in economics, focusing on econometrics and causal inference techniques methods that measure the true effects of policies and interventions. By creating rigorous tools for complex business questions, her work helps policymakers, businesses, and communities understand the real impact of their decisions. 

Her industry background not only motivates her research but also inspires her teaching. She remembers the difficulty of connecting technical theory with practical applications as a student, and now she strives to bridge that gap for her own students. “What excites me most about teaching is helping students connect econometric tools with real world questions,” she said. “I want them to see how what they are learning can be used to answer meaningful problems.” 

Outside of the classroom, she has taken up a lighter pursuit, wine tasting. After touring the Finger Lakes wineries in upstate New York, she now looks forward to exploring southern Illinois wine trails and explore all the scenic beauty this place has to offer.  

At CoBA, we celebrate scholars who not only advance theory but also draw from lived experiences to seek solutions that benefit society. Her journey from supporting entrepreneurs in South Korea to shaping policy focused research at SIUC demonstrates the power of real world problems to inspire academic innovation. We are delighted to welcome her to our community and look forward to the impact she will make as both a researcher and a teacher.

Inspired by Family, Driven by Research: Dr. David Yang Joins CoBA 

Dr. David Yang, Assistant Professor of Finance at the College of Business and Analytics was excited to being interviewed and shared lot of fun details about himself and his new gig.  
The journey into academia began at home. Growing up in China, he was inspired by his father, a businessman, to explore the world of finance. “I got into stocks, bonds, and business when I was very young,” he recalled. That early spark turned into a lifelong passion, leading him first to the United States for his undergraduate studies in finance, then to the U.K. for a master’s degree, and ultimately to a Ph.D. in Finance from West Virginia University. 

Now at SIU, David is excited to contribute to an R1 university known for its collegial environment and world-class research. “Our finance program is strong, my colleagues are supportive, and the research culture here is outstanding,” he said. “It’s the kind of place that gives you the motivation and resources to do your best work.” 

David has lot of grand plans to impart world class teaching approach for students at Rehn Hall. He emphasizes preparing students for the future of finance by bridging theory with practice. He incorporates cutting edge technologies like machine learning into corporate finance and connects students with industry professionals. “I want my students to leave with both the latest technical skills and a clear understanding of how the industry is evolving,” he explained. 

His research also reflects this forward-looking approach. David’s projects span international tax avoidance, corporate governance, and the impact of environmental factors such as daylight saving policies on firm performance. His work demonstrates how finance connects not only to markets but also to broader economic and policy questions that affect daily life. His findings can one day translate into policy level changes having greater impact in our community.  

Outside academia, David finds balance in music and strategy. A pianist who enjoys the works of Chopin and Beethoven, he also keeps up with his favorite game, StarCraft, a hobby that reflects his mix of creativity and analytical thinking. 

With his unique blend of personal inspiration, dedication to student success, and passion for innovative research, David is set to make a lasting impact at CoBA.