This page provides background on the University of Utah’s planning process to bring together the Department of Economics and the QAMO Division. It includes the current status of the transition, key milestones, frequently asked questions, project documents, and a feedback form.
In 2025, the University of Utah began a multi-phase process to integrate the Department of Economics in the College of Social and Behavioral Science and the Division of Quantitative Analysis of Markets and Organizations (QAMO) in the David Eccles School of Business into a unified School of Economics. This change aims to advance the university’s economics programs; enhance research collaboration; and strengthen the student experience through expanded career pathways, enriched academic offerings and better support services.
To begin this transformation, the U launched a search for an academic leader to chair both the Department of Economics and the QAMO Division. Dr. Scott Schaefer, Dumke Family Presidential Endowed Chair in Honor of Katherine W. and E.R. Dumke, was selected to serve as chair of QAMO and chair of the Department of Economics. He began this dual role on October 1, 2025.
Current Status
The Department of Economics and the QAMO Division continue to operate as separate academic units while a phased planning process moves forward.
Timeline and Updates
June 1, 2026: Ad Hoc Faculty Committee on Doctoral Education in Economics formed
February 24, 2026: Ad Hoc Faculty Committee on External Perspectives on Excellence in Economics delivers its report
December 1, 2025: Ad Hoc Faculty Committee on External Perspectives on Excellence in Economics formed
October 1, 2025: Professor Scott Schaefer assumes his role as chair of both QAMO and the Department of Economics
September 2025: Finalists participate in on-campus interviews
May 15, 2025: Chair position posted
April 17, 2025: Announcement of planning phase for an integrated School of Economics
What to Expect During the Transition
- Until the new School of Economics is formally launched, the Department of Economics and the QAMO Division continue to operate as separate academic units.
- Professor Schaefer reports to the dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Science (in the context of chair of Economics) and to the dean of the David Eccles School of Business (in the context of chair of QAMO).
- Retention, promotion and tenure (RPT) policy in each unit and process flow (from department, to chair, to relevant dean) will not be affected by the appointment of a single chair.
- Curricular change policy and process flow (from the individual units through the respective colleges) will not be affected by the appointment of a single chair.
- Professor Schaefer will lead faculty from both units towards the development of a shared vision and implementation plan, following all applicable university policies.
- The timeline for formal integration will be shaped by faculty input and collaborative planning. Some shared initiatives may emerge early if there is faculty agreement, while others may take more time.
Transition Timeline & Process
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The school is not being launched immediately. Under the leadership of Chair Scott Schaefer, a phased, faculty-driven process is being undertaken to determine when and how a unified School of Economics will be created. This process will take time and may evolve over the next several years based on faculty input and shared governance, following university policies.
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There is no fixed timeline. The pace of integration will depend on the outcomes of collaborative planning. Some elements may change quickly with agreement, while others may take longer to align.
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Faculty will retain their current appointments, reporting lines and evaluation processes. Curriculum approvals and degree requirements will continue to flow through existing college-level channels.
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Dr. Scott Schaefer, Dumke Family Presidential Endowed Chair in Honor of Katherine W. and E.R. Dumke, was selected to serve as chair of QAMO and chair of the Department of Economics. He began this dual role on October 1, 2025.
Academic Structure & Governance
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Yes. The two departments will remain separate academic units for the time being. Dr. Scott Schaefer oversees both units as Chair, but faculty appointments, curricula and governance processes will continue to follow existing policies within each department.
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Curriculum changes will continue to follow current departmental and college-level approval processes. Preliminary steps have been taken to facilitate greater coordination between the two units, but no immediate changes will be made to course requirements or degree structures without appropriate review and faculty input.
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Faculty appointments and retention, promotion and tenure (RPT) processes remain unchanged. Each unit will continue to follow its established evaluation policies.
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Faculty will lead the development of the integrated School of Economics. Ad hoc faculty committees have been formed to examine various strategic issues.
Impact on Students and Staff
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There is no immediate impact on students. Degree requirements, course offerings, advising and tuition will remain the same. Over time, the goal is for our students to benefit from enhanced academic offerings, wider faculty expertise, and stronger advising and career support.
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No immediate staffing changes are anticipated as a result of this effort. As the transition unfolds, opportunities may arise to share staff expertise across the two units to support academic operations more effectively.
For questions, contact SVPAA@utah.edu or complete the feedback form below.
Name and email are not required fields if you would like to provide anonymous feedback.