College of Business Welcomes New Faculty

As the 2016–2017 year began with renewed vigor, the College of Business welcomed new finance professors John Steele and Sailu (Lulu) Li to strengthen the College’s already exceptional reputation.

John Steele, lecturer in finance, earned his MBA with a concentration in finance from Indiana University in 1980. He also received a global education through his studies internationally at Harlaxton Manor in Grantham, England, and the University of Hamburg in Germany. Professor Steele developed more than 30 years of experience with domestic and international organizations ranging from start-up to Fortune 100. His previous titles include treasurer, CFO, corporate finance director, SVP finance, board member, board chair, and consultant.

Through teaching for several years as an adjunct professor at two other universities, Professor Steele discovered a true passion for the classroom. He has lived in Valparaiso for eight years and is excited to join the University community to expand his teaching role. Specifically, he looks forward to teaching students about corporate finance, business strategy, and corporate governance. He is also a proponent of the benefits of overseas studies after his two years of experience in Europe. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys many activities, including fishing, boating, reading, and motorcycle touring.

Sailu (Lulu) Li, assistant professor of finance, earned her Ph.D. in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2016 while simultaneously working as a graduate assistant at the university. Previously, Professor Li also had two internships with the Advanced Research Center at State Street Global Advisors and BNY Mellon Western Fund. She also holds master’s degrees in economics from Boston College and electrical engineering from Zhejiang University.

Professor Li was attracted to Valpo for its diversified, vibrant, and welcoming campus as well as the College of Business’s collegiate atmosphere. She looks forward to interacting with students as they learn from each other and to opportunities for interdisciplinary work with her colleagues. She hopes to contribute to the finance program not only from the curriculum side by gradually covering more CFA level I material, but also from teaching by triggering students’ interest and keeping them motivated for the subject. Outside of the classroom, she also hopes to help start an active badminton club on campus.