Department Chair’s Greeting

Hello and welcome to the Department of Finance at UNLV! I am Daniel Chi, Chair of the department, and I’m excited to tell you a bit about who we are, what we do, and how finance impacts our world.

Our vision is to “improve lives through finance education.” Everything we do—whether in the classroom, in research, or in the community—flows from this vision and drives us forward.

Finance is the study of how money flows through the economy. Just as blood circulation is essential for a healthy body, the movement of money is vital for prosperity. When finance works well, it fuels innovation, creates jobs, and strengthens communities. Think about an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea—like Steve Jobs and the iPhone. Without financial backing, even the best ideas cannot come to life. Finance connects savers with entrepreneurs, turning innovations into reality. In this process, savers earn returns, businesses grow, and economies thrive.

Finance also opens the door to diverse and rewarding career paths, each with the potential to improve people’s lives:

  • Corporate Finance – Corporate finance professionals, often led by CFOs, help companies secure funding, invest wisely, and drive growth. This path is ideal for those who enjoy strategy, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking.
  • Investments – Investment managers and advisors guide individuals and institutions in building wealth and achieving long-term goals. From retirement planning to managing large endowments, they strive for financial stability and prosperity of the future.
  • Banking – Banks keep the financial system moving by managing everything from personal savings to major business loans. Careers in banking focus on providing solutions that support milestones like home ownership and business expansion.
  • Risk Management & Insurance – Professionals in this field help people and businesses protect their finances against accidents, health challenges, and unexpected events, ensuring stability and peace of mind.

No matter which path sparks your interest—strategy, investments, customer service, or problem-solving—finance offers ways to contribute to economic well-being and improve lives.

Our department prepares students for all these career paths and more. Finance is always evolving, with innovations in financial technology (FinTech), quantitative methods, cryptocurrency, and new financial products. Our faculty are at the frontier of these developments, bringing cutting-edge research and industry expertise into the classroom. Our students gain knowledge to advance their careers and make meaningful impacts.

We also believe finance education should be hands-on. Students learn by doing through Rebels on Wall Street, where they connect with industry leaders in New York; the Rebel Investment Group and the Jagdish Mehta and Family Student Investment Fund, where they manage real portfolios; and the President’s Investment Challenge, a campus-wide competition that applies investment knowledge in practice. These programs build networks, sharpen skills, and give our students a competitive edge in the job market.

We are equally proud of our financial literacy courses (FIN 111, 112, and 113), designed for all students. Our overall health is like a tripod with three legs: physical health, mental health, and the long-neglected third leg—financial health. Improving financial health is central to our commitment to improve lives.

To our students: we are here to help you grow, succeed, and make a positive impact.

To our community partners and alumni: we welcome your collaboration as we work together toward our shared vision.

Thank you for being part of our finance community at UNLV. I look forward to connecting with you all!

Warm regards,

J. Daniel Chi
Chair, Department of Finance
Lee Business School, UNLV

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