Management chair takes on role as interim associate dean at FSB
Xiaowen Huang to take on role full-time in July
The chair of the Department of Management at the Farmer School of Business has taken on a new role in the dean’s suite at FSB. Xiaowen Huang is the interim Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Excellence, assuming the position previously held by Melissa Thomasson.
Huang will take on key responsibilities immediately and will transition into the role full-time on July 1.
“Serving as Chair of the Management Department has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I’ve been continually inspired by the dedication, integrity, and incredible work of my colleagues, who consistently go above and beyond to support our students and one another,” Huang said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on that work at the divisional level and contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative environment across the Farmer School of Business. This new role allows me to bring the values and practices we’ve nurtured in our department to a broader context—working to make an even greater impact.”
Huang earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Shanghai JiaoTong University and her PhD. at the University of Minnesota. She started as an assistant professor of management at the Farmer School in 2004 and has been the department chair since 2021.
“Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of watching Xiaowen grow into a thoughtful and inspiring leader—especially through her work leading and shaping the Management Department. Her deep commitment to faculty and staff excellence is evident in everything she does, and she approaches each challenge with integrity, care, and a genuine desire to do what’s best for FSB,” Jenny said. “As we move forward with implementing our strategic plan, I’m excited to work more closely with her. I look forward to seeing Xiaowen continue to grow and thrive in this new role, bringing her thoughtful perspective and dedication to the important work ahead.”
“I’ve been deeply moved by the outpouring of support and trust following the announcement. The encouragement and support have been both humbling and inspiring, reaffirming my commitment to embrace this new role wholeheartedly and give it my very best,” Huang said.
