The faculty ranks at universities across the country are populated with graduates of Colorado State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences. Alumni have gone on to hold positions as professors of animal sciences, agronomy, and horticulture, among many other fields. When Julie Mueller graduated with her Ph.D. in agricultural and resource economics in 2007, she planned on becoming a professor, but did not expect to find herself in a college of business. Not only is Mueller now an associate professor of economics in the W. A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University, she has recently been named the Marley Professor of Business Excellence.

‘A commitment to innovation and technology’

Mueller, who studied under John Loomis, a professor in CSU’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, will hold the professorship for three years, and can apply to renew the appointment. This named appointment recognizes a faculty member who is an “an eminent academic who exhibits a commitment to innovation and technology” and the holder of the professorship is expected to “lead the college’s interdisciplinary efforts.”

“During the time I worked with Julie on her Ph.D. program I could tell she was a ‘can do’ person with great determination,” said Loomis. “She has become an incredibly productive scholar in a short amount of time.”

An environmental economist

Mueller’s research focuses on non-market valuation econometrics and she would describe herself as an environmental economist. She holds a joint appointment in the School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability.

“Working with colleagues in other colleges, is especially gratifying,” said Mueller. “Economics, especially environmental economics, lends itself most to the kinds of cross—disciplinary work that bridges business, agriculture, and natural resources.”

Exceptional mentoring

Exceptional mentoring by Loomis and others at CSU, is part of what Mueller attributes to her success in her career.

“Learning, particularly at the Ph.D. level, is about much more than textbooks and equations,” said Mueller. “My mentors taught me how to find the right journals to publish in, how to respond productively to article reviews, and how to transition from being a research assistant to a junior faculty member.”

Although it is unusual for graduates of her program to teach in colleges of business, Mueller believes that her training at CSU positioned her for success as a scholar, regardless of what department or college she found herself in.

“I would not be where I am today without the career guidance I received at CSU.”

The Marley Professorship

The Marley Professorship was made possible by a gift from the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation to support entrepreneurship and economic development in rural Arizona.