Jing Zhao, Ph.D., is the Cameron Associate Professor of Finance in The School of Business. Her research and teaching center on corporate governance, investments, and financial analytics, with particular emphasis on how governance mechanisms shape firm performance, risk-taking, and innovation. A unifying theme across her work is the integration of rigorous analytical methods with real-world application to advance students’ critical thinking, data fluency, and purposeful decision-making.
Professor Zhao joined PSU after serving on the faculty at North Carolina State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration (Finance) from Penn State University (Smeal) and an M.A. in Economics from Emory University.
In the classroom, Professor Zhao is widely recognized for transforming how students engage with finance and analytics. She has redesigned core investments courses and developed new offerings in financial analytics and quantitative methods. Her teaching integrates real-world data, econometric modeling, and programming with applied, project-based learning that mirrors industry practice, strengthening academic achievement and career readiness.
Across the School and University, Professor Zhao has provided distinguished leadership and service, including Chair of the Undergraduate Program Committee, Faculty Council Chair, Acting Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, and currently Director of Accreditation. In these roles, she has championed curriculum/program innovation, advanced student success, expanded external partnerships, led accreditation efforts central to the School’s academic excellence and reputation, and launched the School’s Societal Impact Newsletter to foster a culture of intentionality, engagement and impact.
Her commitment to student and community impact is further reflected in spearheading the Financial Wellness and Literacy Initiative—advancing the Dean’s vision of empowering PSU students, particularly from underserved backgrounds—with access, knowledge, and skills essential for lifelong financial well-being. She has cultivated strong community partnerships that create experiential learning and networking opportunities connecting students, alumni, professionals and industry leaders.
Professor Zhao’s research on innovation and workforce diversity appears in leading journals and has received distinguished awards and honors, including selection for the Financial Times’ Top 100 Business School Research with Social Impact.
In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, traveling with her family, and serving as a judge at high school speech and debate tournaments.