The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University has named Matthew S. Lewis as the interim chair of the John E. Walker Department of Economics.
Lewis brings extensive experience in research, teaching and leadership to the role. As interim chair, Lewis will oversee the department’s academic programs, faculty and strategic initiatives while continuing to support its mission of preparing students to analyze complex economic issues and apply economic thinking to real-world challenges.
“Matt is an accomplished scholar and dedicated educator whose leadership and commitment to success make him an excellent choice to lead the department during this transition,” said Wendy York, dean of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business. “His deep understanding of the department’s strengths and opportunities will help ensure its continued success in serving students, advancing research and supporting faculty excellence.”
Lewis earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining Clemson in 2013, Lewis spent eight years as an assistant professor at The Ohio State University. Most recently, Lewis was promoted to professor in the John E. Walker Department of Economics at Clemson University in 2021.
Lewis is widely recognized for his scholarship in industrial organization, with a particular focus on energy and healthcare markets. His research on gasoline markets examines topics ranging from gas station competition and pricing to consumer search behavior and responses to price fluctuations. His broader research interests include hospital consolidation and airline price discrimination. In addition to his research contributions, Lewis serves as an associate editor for the International Journal of Industrial Organization, further reflecting his impact on the field.
As interim chair, Lewis looks forward to ensuring faculty and students have the support they need to succeed and helping the department maintain its tradition of research and teaching excellence.
“I am honored to serve as interim chair of the John E. Walker Department of Economics,” Lewis said. “Great research and great teaching go hand in hand, and our students benefit every day by learning from faculty at the forefront of the discipline. That’s increasingly important in today’s rapidly changing world, which demands critical thinking and reasoning through tradeoffs that are fundamental to economics.”
About the John E. Walker Department of Economics
The John E. Walker Department of Economics in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University provides students with a rigorous understanding of economic theory, policy and analytics. The department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that equip students to address challenges facing businesses, governments and communities around the world. Named for entrepreneur, philanthropist and Clemson alumnus John E. Walker ’58, the department has grown into a nationally recognized program supported by a legacy of investment and a tradition of research and teaching excellence.
