The departments of finance, economics and risk management (FERM) and management in the College of Business at Missouri State University have new leaders. 

Associate professor Dr. Seth Hoelscher will head FERM.  He has served in an interim role since October 2024 and has been with MSU since 2016.  

He earned his PhD in Finance from the University of Oklahoma and has previously held both the Dr. Robert W. and Charlotte K. Bitter Endowment Chair and the Daisy Portenier Loucks Professorship.  

“I’m excited to collaborate with our many stakeholders and contribute to the department’s ccontinued success,” Hoelscher said. “With the positive momentum our department is experiencing, I look forward to playing an active role in shaping its future.”  

Associate professor Dr. Jason DeBode will oversee management as department head.

He joined MSU in 2014 and previously served as interim department head for management from July 2019 to June 2021. He holds a PhD in Management from Auburn University. 

According to DeBode, stepping into this role is a big shift from his life as a faculty member and brings with it many unknowns. 

“Though I’m certain there are challenges ahead of us, I’m looking forward to working together with my colleagues in the management department, throughout the College of Business, and across campus,” he said. “I can’t wait to see what opportunities the future has in store for us.”   

 Explore the College of Business