Dr. Maru Etta-Nkwelle
Dr. Maru Etta-Nkwelle
Dr. Maru Etta-Nkwelle is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Howard University School of Business(HUSB). In this role, she oversees the integrity and innovation of academic programs, manages faculty appointments and tenure processes, and collaborates on strategic initiatives to enhance learning outcomes and ensure alignment with AACSB standards. With over two decades of experience in higher education and financial management, Dr. Etta-Nkwelle previously served as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Finance and International Business(HUSB) where she led efforts in faculty recruitment, curriculum innovation, program assessment, budgeting and international academic collaborations, including student study tours and consulting projects in China, India, Ghana, and South Africa. Prior to Howard University, she served as Chief Financial Officer for the Alliance Health Benefit Plan, and as a Financial Analyst for USAID’s Africa Venture Capital Project, where she advanced financial oversight and program development for multi-million-dollar initiatives. Dr. Etta-Nkwelle’s research spans international economics, development finance, and applied econometrics, with publications in journals such as Journal of Financial Education, International Advances in Economic Research, Journal of the Academy of Finance and Journal of Applied Financial Economics, and she has secured multiple grant funding to support curriculum internationalization and faculty research and development. A committed educator and leader, Dr. Etta-NKwelle holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Howard University, and an M.A. in Development Banking from American University in Washington, D.C.
If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?
I was first introduced to the International Atlantic Economic Society (IAES) by a colleague at Howard University and decided to join because it offers access to research publications, conferences, and continuing education that support the professional development objectives of faculty. IAES conferences provide valuable networking opportunities with peers and potential collaborators across academia, government, and industry, discussions on public policy and outreach efforts that shape economic thinking and career advancement. Additionally, being part of a community with shared goals fosters a strong sense of connection and purpose within the field of economics.
What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?
My current research is a collaborative effort with two colleagues and focuses on understanding how inflation and unemployment—shaped largely by monetary policy—affect household wellbeing. Motivated by a desire to bridge macroeconomic theory with microeconomic behavior, we aim to derive the Phillips Curve from a microeconomic foundation by minimizing a social objective function (SOF). This allows for a more detailed analysis that goes beyond aggregate indicators to examine how monetary policy impacts individual decisions related to consumption, saving, and investment. What drives this work is a commitment to producing insights that can inform effective monetary policy, especially in light of the real-world trade-offs faced by households in times of economic volatility.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?
My advice to economics Ph.D. students who aspire to become university Professors is this: cultivate both curiosity and discipline early in your journey. Develop a strong foundation in economic theory, mathematics, and econometrics, and stay engaged with real-world issues that inspire meaningful research questions. Seek out mentors who can guide you through academic life and provide feedback which improves your critical thinking. Attend conferences often to present your work, build research collaborations and grow your professional network. Finally, be persistent and focus on your goal – the university tenure track journey is demanding, but the opportunity to teach, discover new insights, and shape economic thought is deeply rewarding.
What’s your favorite hobby?
One of my favorite hobbies is cooking authentic dishes that are rich in flavor and rooted in tradition. I enjoy cooking dishes that can be ready in one hour. Whether I’m preparing a stew or a spice-filled dish, I aim to honor the authenticity of each cuisine while adding a personal touch that brings the flavors to life. I usually cook with gospel music playing in the background and so cooking time is creative, relaxing and joyful.