The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business has named Professor of Finance, Brandon Lockhart, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Finance. The appointment follows Lockhart’s service as acting and interim chair.
Lockhart joined Clemson in 2013 and has held several leadership roles in the Department, including associate chair. He has been a Wells Fargo Faculty Scholar since 2016 and was promoted to professor in 2023.
When Lockhart was appointed acting chair in 2025, Wendy York, dean of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, called him “a collaborative leader and scholar and a deeply engaged member of our community.” York also cited his strategic vision and commitment to the Department’s students, faculty and stakeholders.
About Lockhart
Lockhart’s research focuses on empirical corporate finance, including capital structure, debt contracting, corporate tax policy and investment policy. His scholarship has appeared in the Journal of Accounting and Economics, Journal of Corporate Finance, Journal of Banking and Finance, Contemporary Accounting Research and Review of Accounting Studies. He teaches corporate finance topics in Clemson’s undergraduate and Master of Business Administration programs.
His teaching and research honors include the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award in 2022, Graduate Teaching Excellence Award in 2019, MBA Professor of the Year in 2018 and Department of Finance Research Award in 2017.
Before joining Clemson, Lockhart was a faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from 2009 to 2013. He earned a doctorate in finance from the University of Florida in 2009 and a bachelor’s degree in management, with certificates in economics and finance, from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1998. Before pursuing his doctorate, he worked as an analyst and relationship manager in commercial banking.
In discussing the Department in 2025, Lockhart said, “Finance at Clemson is in a great spot.” He pointed to the strength of its students, staff and faculty, along with the support of alumni and parents and said the Department was developing initiatives to strengthen experiences and outcomes for its community.
Drawing on Lockhart’s experience as a respected scholar, award-winning educator and collaborative leader, Lockhart will guide the Department as it continues expanding opportunities for students, advancing impactful research and strengthening connections with alumni and industry partners. As the Department prepares the next generation of finance professionals, his leadership will help shape its continued success.
About the Department of Finance
The Department of Finance offers a Bachelor of Science degree in financial management with emphasis areas in corporate finance, financial services, financial planning and real estate. Students have access to the Melvin and Dollie Younts Trading Room, Bloomberg terminals, simulated investing opportunities, financial modeling workshops and other career-focused resources. The Department’s academic portfolio also includes the Master of Science in Finance program, introduced in 2025. Faculty research spans empirical corporate finance, financial institutions and real estate.
