This fall, we're welcoming two new faculty members: Dr. Qiongwen Lei, Assistant Professor of Finance, and USI alumna Ms. Jayne Minick '04, Lecturer in Marketing. Take a moment to read their getting-to-know-you interviews below:
Dr. Qiongwen "Ivy" Lei, Assistant Professor of Finance
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Qiongwen Lei, and people prefer to call me Ivy. I am genuinely happy to join USI as an Assistant Professor of Finance this August. I completed my PhD from the University at Buffalo in 2024. Before that, I obtained a Master of Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and a Bachelor of Arts concentrating on mathematics and economics from Fudan University.
Describe your teaching style.
I like combining big pictures with details and making lectures interesting and accessible using real-life examples and practical illustrations. My motivation is to show my class the meaning of learning, the essence of understanding, and the gist of mastering the materials for their academic and industrial pursuits.
What are your current research interests?
My research focuses on asset pricing, fixed income, corporate governance, and new techniques application in finance (artificial intelligence, machine learning, and textual analysis).
What do you bring to the classroom that is uniquely yours?
I suggest that being creative and open-minded can make my class an enjoyable experience for my students.
How do you define success in the classroom?
My most appreciated outcomes are student engagement and effective learning, combined with interactive feedback and mutual improvement.
What are you most looking forward to at USI and at Romain College of Business?
I am looking forward to meeting my students and colleagues for a brand new start in my career and life. I am excited to become part of the department, school, university, and community. Having Chick-fil-A on campus is a big perk to me!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like traveling, visiting museums, checking vintage shops, and watching documentaries.
What are three things on your bucket list?
- Traveling to Ushuaia
- Living in Rome for a couple of months
- Becoming fluent in a good many languages
A “fun fact” about you.
I can eat eight pieces of cheesecake in one day.
Ms. Jayne Minick '04, Lecturer in Marketing
Tell us a little bit about yourself and career background.
I was born in Evansville but raised in Henderson, KY. I'm a proud graduate of Henderson County High School but an extremely proud graduate of USI ('04, Public Relations & Advertising)! It has been my dream to get back to USI as a teacher. When I graduated from USI, I moved down to Fort Lauderdale, FL, where I started out teaching middle school but then moved over to digital sales. I lived in south Florida for almost 15 years and moved back here to Mt. Vernon to be with family. Upon moving back, I met the love of my life, Josh, and fell for not only him but also his three amazing kids. So, although no kiddo's of my own, I think of his as my own and love them dearly. I also can't forget to include my fur babies ...as my students will get to know plenty about them, I'm sure. There's Kiwi, my gorgeous cat, and Francque, my incredibly extra mini-Goldendoodle.
Describe your teaching style.
My teaching style has always been one of comfort. I find it very important that my students feel comfortable in my classroom. I want them to feel comfortable asking questions but also feel challenged.
What do you bring to the classroom that is uniquely yours?
I think I bring an energy to the classroom that is uniquely mine. A "sparkle" if you will. I love teaching, and I love sales and if I can show my students how fun it is to be in a sales career, then I've done my job. I really want my students to understand the importance of a career over a job and how you should really love what you do (as I do!).
How do you define success in the classroom?
If the student walks away from my class feeling that they've learned anything that will help them in their future, then I feel it's been a success. I realize they aren't going to learn everything from one semester with me, but if they feel that they've been valued and heard in my classroom and they can walk away with some real like knowledge that will help in their future, then I will celebrate some success for them!
What are you most looking forward to at USI and at Romain College of Business?
I am looking forward to being back on the campus. I'm a very proud Screagle, and I've dreamt of being back in this capacity. The University has grown so much since I was there, and I can't wait to meet the current students and help them shine and see why USI is the University to attend!
What do you like to do in your free time?
If I'm with my husband and mini-Goldendoodle, Francque, then I'm one happy camper. We do a lot of camping in our RV and if they are there, all is right in the world.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I LOVE this question. One thing I just accomplished and that was to milk a cow. I'm an animal lover, through and through, but also very much a city-slicker. I met a friend in all the networking that I do, and she lives on a dairy farm. She heard me mention that it's on my bucket list to milk a cow ...and she made that happen. Another thing on my bucket list is to ride in a bucket truck. I know it sounds silly, but I'm not exactly an extreme go-getter, and it's silly for sure ...but I really want to go in a bucket truck. Then, my last is a real one that I don't necessarily see happening but I like to put it out there, just in case. I REALLY want to be on Big Brother. I'm a Super Fan and would love to be on that show. Not sure I'd make it all the way, but man I'd love to give it a go!
A “fun fact” about you.
Hmmm ...a fun fact about me. I lived in south Florida for 15 years after graduating from USI where I was an 8th grade Language Arts and Reading teacher for a few years before moving into sales.
Published August 19, 2024