By Andi Anderson
After serving as chair of the Department of Economics at Iowa State University for a decade, Joshua Rosenbloom will step down from the role on June 30, 2025. He will continue as a faculty member within the department.
Taking over as interim chair on July 1 will be Peter Orazem, University Professor of Economics. Orazem, who retired in 2023, spent more than 40 years at Iowa State.
His work has focused on labor markets, human capital, regional development, and entrepreneurship in the U.S. and developing countries. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a doctorate from Yale University.
Rosenbloom expressed strong confidence in Orazem’s leadership, stating, “No one better embodies the unique qualities of Iowa State’s Department of Economics than Peter.”
Under Rosenbloom’s tenure, the department made several advancements. He redesigned the master’s programs to include a more applied focus, improved introductory economics instruction, and streamlined the PhD program.
He also led efforts to create a branch of the Central Plains Federal Statistical Research Data Center, which is set to open this summer and will support social science research.
Heady Hall, the department’s home, also saw significant improvements, including new student lounge areas.
Peter Orazem shared his appreciation for the department’s legacy: “It is an honor to be asked to help set the foundation for the next chair and for the students and scholars who will be carrying that tradition forward.”
The Department of Economics is jointly administered by Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
University leaders praised both Rosenbloom’s impact and Orazem’s return, citing their dedication to research, education, and service to the state of Iowa.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy