Taking on a new opportunity with a new role, Benjamin Widner has transformed his career at NMSU through the years from faculty to leadership and has plans to continue mentoring students to success. 

Widner began his journey as a student in the College of Business, graduated with a bachelor's degree in May 1997, then earned his master's degree in economics in December 1998. With encouragement from professors, he then obtained a Ph.D. at Colorado State University in 2005. 

"I had an opportunity to return to NMSU as a faculty member in 2006," he said. "My teaching duties have been very broad, including over a dozen courses, ranging from introduction courses to graduate seminars and everything in between. I also developed several online courses as we have increased our online presence. During my nearly two decades as a faculty member, I have focused on student engagement and technology adaptation to assist student success." 

After 18-plus years as an economics professor in the College of Business and a visiting professor abroad, Widner was named associate dean for student affairs and curriculum in 2024. 

"Over the years, I've built a network of colleagues and collaborators, both within and outside of NMSU, enriching my work and bringing new insights back to our college," he said. "Engaging in these partnerships has strengthened my research and contributed to our college's reputation. By sharing insights from conferences and guest lectures, I bring fresh perspectives to my classes and broaden students' awareness of the field's direction." 

He explained his new role involves balancing students' needs with the college's strategic priorities, upholding the standards of AACSB accreditation, and continuously enhancing the student experience and the academic rigor of the college's programs. 

"I also support faculty by providing resources for teaching, integrating technology in the classroom, and encouraging innovative teaching methods," he said. "I collaborate with faculty advisory committees to address curriculum concerns and facilitate regular program reviews, ensuring we meet AACSB's learning and teaching standards." 

At NMSU, Widner has received numerous opportunities to grow as an educator and researcher,  which has given him a solid foundation for delivering a dynamic, relevant and impactful educational experience. 

"My experiences as a researcher and active participant in the economic field keeps my teaching grounded in real-world applications, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their careers," he said. "Using actual case studies and recent data in lectures helps students see the relevance of economics in understanding current issues." 

Widner shared that he's also had the privilege of mentoring students in their research projects, whether it's their undergraduate honors thesis or graduate research. 

"This mentorship allows students to explore their interests while gaining hands-on experience in economic research methodologies, from formulating hypotheses to interpreting results," he added. "Externally presenting at academic and industry conferences over the years has kept me updated on the latest research and trends in economics." 

With all his accomplishments, Widner said watching students grow and find success post-graduation has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of his career. Many have gone on to work in top-tier companies, government positions or pursued advanced degrees. 

"Seeing former students thrive and succeed in their careers is immensely rewarding. Knowing that my mentorship and teaching helped shape their futures is one of my greatest sources of pride," he said. "Their successes reinforce the value of our work in higher education and inspire me to keep contributing to their journey." 

Widner's journey doesn't stop here – in fact, it's just begun in a new way. Widner shared that he's continually inspired by the dedication and potential of the college's students, and their success underscores the importance of a supportive, innovated academic environment. 

"As I move forward in my role as associate dean, I remain committed to enhancing both student experiences and academic rigor at the College of Business, preparing students to thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape," he said. 

A version of this story first published in the latest issue of the College of Business Annual Report. Read the issue here.

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/ben-widner-aims-to-enhance-student-experience-in-new-role-at-college-of-business/s/8a6fac4f-d1be-4b54-8353-855f4227ebcb