Jinhua Zhao, the David J. Nolan Dean of the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, has been reappointed for a second five-year term, the deans of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences announced March 19.
The reappointment begins July 1.
“Jinhua is an outstanding leader, colleague and scholar who has strengthened the Dyson School’s position within the SC Johnson College, CALS and beyond,” said Andrew Karolyi, the Charles Field Knight Dean of the SC Johnson College. “He genuinely cares about students and faculty, and his passion and collaborative style have built trust and inspired investment in the school. The next five years look very bright with his leadership.”
“Dean Zhao’s reappointment is terrific news for the Dyson School and for CALS,” said Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell CALS. “His thoughtful leadership, deep commitment to student success and steadfast support of our land‑grant mission have strengthened the connections between the Dyson School and CALS and expanded the impact of our shared work. I’m excited to continue partnering with him as we advance innovative, purpose‑driven solutions that benefit communities across New York state and around the world.”
Zhao began his tenure as dean and professor of applied economics and policy at the Dyson School in 2021. The school, which is shared between the SC Johnson College and Cornell CALS, enrolls more than 900 students and offers undergraduate business education, professional studies and research-focused graduate programs.
“The Dyson School’s world-class faculty, students and alumni first drew me to Cornell,” Zhao said. “I’m honored to foster an environment that champions the work they do to improve society with smart, ethical business practices and research.”
As dean, Zhao has overseen the evolution of the Grand Challenges Program, which provides experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates to apply their skills to pressing societal challenges. Each year, the program serves dozens of student teams supported by course assistants and MBA coaches who engage with industry partners on real-world concerns.
Zhao also initiated the development of the Code of Culture, which emphasizes building a better world through excellence, respect and responsibility in education and in business.
Since joining the Cornell faculty, Zhao has continued researching topics in environmental and resources economics, including global climate change, renewable energies, water, technology adoption and dynamic decision-making under uncertainty. His recent publications have encompassed topics ranging from cadmium-contaminated rice to use of face masks against particulate matter pollution.
Previously, Zhao served as a co-editor of the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, and was a professor of economics and director of the Environmental Science and Policy Program at Michigan State University.
Alison Fromme is the associate director of communications for the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.