Shaping an Intentional, Innovative Business Education

From sunny San Antonio to vibrant Shanghai, one Trinity professor bridges student success and faculty innovation. In her more than 13 years at Trinity, Shage Zhang has earned a reputation for transforming goals into meaningful actions-and improving the student experience along the way.

Now Zhang is stepping into a new role as associate dean of the Michael Neidorff School of Business. With her student-centered values and ability to turn ideas into reality, Zhang is well-prepared to support the Neidorff School's vision for the future.

"Dr. Zhang's passion for Trinity and our students' educational experiences will help us continue to build upon past successes as we prepare students to be global citizens in a rapidly changing world," says Raquel Alexander, Ph.D. , dean of the Neidorff School.

Recently ranked the No. 2 business school amongst national liberal arts universities by Poets&Quants , the Neidorff School is a leader in providing an excellent education and producing stand-out alumni and students, like José Manuel Salazar Bogado 26' , who was just named one of the "Best and Brightest" business majors by Poets&Quants .

"We are looking to use the momentum of these rankings to lean even further into the distinct advantages that arise from being part of a premier liberal arts university and being located in this beautiful, vibrant city," shares Alexander.

The work of the associate dean includes supporting faculty and staff in their professional development, ensuring that learning outcomes are regularly assessed and inform curricular activities, and that the School continues to make progress on strategic priorities. Zhang is no stranger to this kind of work. Over the last several years as chair of the department of finance and business analytics, she has built infrastructure that supports students and faculty alike, including launching career-focused courses and events, developing a structured mentoring program with alumni, and expanding hands-on learning opportunities like case competitions and applied projects. Zhang also leads Trinity's Shanghai Summer Program , an immersive experience that combines classroom learning with real-world internship opportunities, equipping students to make informed business decisions in a global context.

Part of Zhang's role will also involve working collaboratively with stakeholders across campus to ensure the School is aligned with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) standards. Of the more than 10,000 business schools worldwide, fewer than 6% are accredited by AACSB. Being accredited by AACSB reflects Trinity's pursuit of the highest standards of learning and outcomes for students. The School is preparing for an accreditation visit in the future, to which Zhang is looking ahead.

"One of my key goals is to strengthen the connection between our curriculum, student outcomes, faculty development, and AACSB expectations, in ways that both enhance the student experience and ensure we are well-prepared for the upcoming accreditation visit," explains Zhang.

Zhang envisions her role directly impacting two groups on campus: faculty and students. For faculty, she is supporting ongoing efforts, helping remove barriers, connecting ideas, and providing structure where it is helpful, while respecting the strengths and autonomy of each program. "Business education continues to shift in meaningful ways, and I hope to help create space for thoughtful innovations that build on the strengths of our existing programs," Zhang says.

"For students, the impact I care most about is clarity and confidence," says Zhang. "I want students to feel that their experience is intentional, and that their courses and opportunities are building toward a clear sense of direction." To achieve that goal, Zhang plans to strengthen pathways for professional development, experiential learning, and undergraduate research, so that these elements are more clearly integrated into the curriculum and student experience.

As associate dean, Zhang will be closely attuned to students' needs from entry to graduation. Her work and vision are intentional and designed to create meaningful impact. Reflecting on what lies ahead, she shares, "Overall, I see this role as one of coordination and support, helping connect faculty ideas, student needs, and school priorities so we can move forward together and so that students are well-prepared for what comes next."