Associate Professor and Bernard Sliger Scholar of Economics John Hamman, Ph.D., was named the new Chair of the Department of Economics on May 10, 2024. He takes over the position from Joe Calhoun, Ph.D., who served as Chair for four years.
“I am happy to step into this role and am indebted to my predecessors for leaving us in great shape,” Dr. Hamman said. “I hope to help our department continue to grow and improve by helping our faculty and students achieve success in research and in the classroom.”
Dr. Hamman comes into this role after 15 years as a tenured Professor at FSU. He joined the Department of Economics as an Assistant Professor in 2009, shortly after receiving his Ph.D. in Behavioral Decision Research from Carnegie Mellon University. In 2016, he was promoted to Associate Professor and received the title of Bernard Sliger Scholar.
Dr. Hamman has also been the Director of FSU’s Experimental Social Science (XS/FS) Research Cluster since 2021. The XS/FS Cluster is a group of interdisciplinary researchers conducting experimental research in the field of Social Science.
Dr. Hamman assumes the position from Joe Calhoun, Ph.D., who served as Chair for four years. Dr. Calhoun’s time as Chair began in May 2020 and was marked by significant changes to the Department of Economics.
Nine new faculty members were hired, two were granted tenure and the title Associate Professor, and two were promoted to Full Professor.
Dr. Calhoun also oversaw improvements to the organization and the physical environment in the Department.
“We made significant changes to our bylaws, governing structure, and business practices which have allowed the Department to operate more efficiently,” Dr. Calhoun said.
The physical improvements to the second-floor offices in Bellamy are a particular source of pride for Dr. Calhoun.
“Signs, display monitors, and conference room equipment have been installed. All faculty offices and hallways were painted, and new carpet was installed,” he said. “In summary, it has been a transformative four years.”
Dr. Calhoun will continue be a part of the Department of Economics as a Teaching Professor and serve as The Director of the Stavros Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Economic Education.
For more information about the Department of Economics, click here.