FSB Finance professor to receive alumni honor from his PhD alma mater
Liu earned his PhD. from the University of South Florida in 2012
FSB Finance professor to receive alumni honor from his PhD alma mater
A Farmer School of Business Finance professor is being honored by the university where he earned his PhD.
Xi Liu is the 2026 Distinguished PhD Alumni award winner at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Liu earned his doctorate in finance in 2012 and has worked at the Farmer School of Business since 2017.
“My former department chair emailed me last month and said he wanted to nominate me as the distinguished PhD alum. I told him that regardless of the outcome, I was really honored,” Liu said. “I was caught off guard and surprised.”
The Muma Distinguished PhD Alumni Award recognizes superior PhD graduates and their professional accomplishments. The award is given annually to a graduate of the USF Muma College of Business PhD program who has demonstrated distinction and success in their career as evidenced by research contributions in her/his field and professional advancement.
Liu was promoted to full professor at FSB in 2025, and is the current named Ohio Casualty Professor.
“I haven't really had a moment to think about how successful I have been – I have kept my head down and worked hard since I graduated,” Liu said.
Liu will receive his award at a celebration at USF in March.