Chen Zhang

Fall 2025 Valedictorian

My goal is to carry forward the lessons I learned here — combining academic rigor with a genuine passion for making a positive impact in business and education

What does it mean to you to be able to celebrate this milestone?

This milestone means a great deal to me. It reflects years of learning, persistence and the unwavering support of mentors, friends and family who have been part of this journey.

Even more meaningful, it’s something I share with all my fellow John Molson School graduates. We’ve each faced challenges along the way and being able to celebrate this achievement together makes it all the more special.

What are your best memories or takeaways from your Concordia experience?

My best memories at John Molson are the small moments that built lasting connections — conversations with colleagues over coffee, encouraging words from professors after a tough presentation and the sense of community that makes John Molson so special.

I’ve learned that research and teaching go far beyond data and theories — they’re about curiosity, collaboration and care for the people around you. Those lessons will stay with me wherever I go.

What’s next for you?

I joined St. Francis Xavier University in July 2025 as an Assistant Professor of Finance. I’m excited to continue my research on corporate finance, while also mentoring students in the same spirit of curiosity and collaboration that defined my time at John Molson.

My goal is to carry forward the lessons I learned here — combining academic rigor with a genuine passion for making a positive impact in business and education.  

More about Chen Zhang's academic journey

Thesis supervisor: Denis Schweizer

Having studied finance in my undergraduate and graduate programs, I worked as a full-time RA in Hong Kong Polytechnic University for a year to get fully prepared to pursue a PhD. During my PhD studies, I developed my research interest in the impact of executive sociopolitical activism on firms given the increasingly partisan and uncertain environment. Meanwhile, I am also interested in the current problems faced by corporations and investors regarding ESG investment, such as inconsistent ESG ratings, lack of regulations, potential greenwashing and ongoing anti-ESG movements, etc.

Research interests

Corporate finance, corporate governance

Teaching experience

• COMM 308: Instructor and tutor
• TA for COMM220, FINA395 and FINA410

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