Harold E. Wirth Eminent Scholar Chair in Econometrics and Business Analytics

Loyola University New Orleans invites applications for the Harold E. Wirth Eminent Scholar Chair in Econometrics and Business Analytics. This is a prestigious, full-time endowed faculty position housed in the Joseph A. Butt, S.J., College of Business, and is the Faculty Director of the Peter Callais Business Analytics Institute. The position is open rank and commensurate with experience. 

About the Chair

Originally established in 1999 through a generous bequest by Harold E. Wirth and Mary Wirth and matched by the Louisiana Board of Regents, the Wirth Chair was designed to promote excellence in economics education and scholarship. In response to evolving industry and academic demands, the Chair has been re-envisioned to reflect the rising importance of applied quantitative skills, data analytics, and econometric modeling in business decision-making and public policy. 

The Wirth Chair in Business Analytics will play a key leadership role in the College’s mission to educate students in a rapidly evolving, data-driven global economy. This position aims to elevate Loyola’s prominence in quantitative business education, foster impactful interdisciplinary research, and enhance our engagement with external stakeholders in industry, government, and the broader community. The individual appointed to the Wirth Chair will be expected to provide leadership in teaching, research and service, contributing to the academic strength of the College of Business.  

The Chair will: 

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in business analytics and related areas, ensuring students develop critical, in-demand skills for today’s data-driven business environments; 
• Conduct innovative research in business analytics and related areas, with a focus on addressing real-world business challenges and influencing industry practices; 
• Maintain qualification as Scholarly Academic faculty, as defined in the CoB Bylaws; 
• Support and mentor faculty research initiatives, particularly those that involve quantitative analysis and data-driven methodologies, strengthening the research output of the College; 
• Collaborate with faculty in entrepreneurship, analytics, and artificial intelligence programs to integrate data insights into the development of new strategies and models; 
• Serve as the campus authority on interdisciplinary exchange and partnerships (for example, with the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Music and Media) related to research and/or pedagogical opportunities in data analysis, quantitative strategies, and related educational and policy impacts; 
• Organize seminars, guest lectures, and events to bring prominent industry professionals, thought leaders, and scholars to campus, enhancing the intellectual life of the university and creating valuable networking opportunities for students; 
• Play a key and active role in recruiting students to the College of Business, with a focus on those interested in analytics, quantitative research, and applied economics; 
• Lead efforts to secure external funding through grants and partnerships while cultivating relationships with alumni and donors to support research, student scholarships, and the long-term growth of applied quantitative curricula through the College, which may include donor funding for new and dedicated Centers should opportunity(ies) arise. 
• As appropriate, work closely with business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders to advance data-driven decision-making and economic development in Louisiana and beyond. 
  

The Wirth Chair will be instrumental in preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving workforce by providing them with a strong foundation in business analytics. Given the rising importance of data analytics in shaping business and public policy, the Chair will collaborate with colleagues across the university to foster interdisciplinary initiatives that apply quantitative analysis to significant business, economic, and societal issues, bridging the discipline of applied quantitative economics and the Jesuit mission of the University. The Chair’s leadership will stimulate research, inspire innovative programs, and create a more interconnected academic environment. 

The prestige associated with this endowed chair will further enhance the College of Business’s ability to attract highly qualified students and faculty. The Wirth Chair will make Loyola an attractive destination for students seeking advanced expertise in business analytics and will lead curricular responsiveness and design at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Additional outcomes of this position will include increased research funding and strengthened ties between the university, industry and government. These partnerships will, foremost, support student career placement and enhance the university’s role in fostering economic and workforce development. The Wirth Chair will have a lasting and transformative impact on the academic and professional success of the College of Business and the wider Loyola community. 

• An earned doctorate in business analytics, econometrics, economics, or a closely related field; 
• A national or international reputation for excellence in research and scholarship; 
• Evidence of strong, effective teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level; 
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines; 
•  A deep appreciation for Loyola’s Jesuit, Catholic mission, including a commitment to equity, justice, and holistic student development. 

Physical Requirements
Ability to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodationsLoyola University New Orleans is a selective Jesuit university that has won many awards and recognitions for the high quality of its academic programs. Based on over 500 years of education experience, Loyola is founded on an Ignatian tradition of spirituality and ethics. Loyola offers a transformative Jesuit education in the most unique city in America. Consistent with our mission, we welcome candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering inclusion and equity in a culturally diverse environment. The beautiful campus is located across from Audubon Park in a scenic Uptown New Orleans neighborhood, near some of the world’s best music venues and restaurants. Loyola provides benefits including 100% tuition remission for spouses and children. 

The Joseph A. Butt, S.J., College of Business currently enrolls almost 600 undergraduate students in degree programs leading to majors in accounting, analytics, economics, finance, management, marketing, and international business. Approximately 150 students are enrolled in graduate programs. Recently, the College launched a new undergraduate program in Entrepreneurship and graduate programs in Marketing & Communication and Healthcare Management. Our undergraduate (International Business) and graduate (Entrepreneurship) programs are ranked in the top 25 by US News & World Report. The College requires all undergraduate students to complete internships and provides career preparation through its Portfolio Program. Undergraduate programs have been continuously accredited by AACSB since 1950, and graduate programs since 1974. The small size (35 faculty and 10 staff) and collegial nature of the College afford a pleasant and productive working environment.