Father Dave Pivonka, TOR '89 President | Franciscan University website

Franciscan University of Steubenville has appointed Dr. Stephen Lewarne as a visiting professor of economics and finance, effective from the upcoming fall semester. With over three decades of experience in international economic policy, post-conflict reconstruction, and applied financial and development economics, Lewarne's addition to the faculty underscores the university's dedication to preparing students for leadership roles with a focus on excellence, integrity, and faith.

Douglas Perry, chair of the Department of Accounting, Business Administration, and Economics at Franciscan University, expressed his enthusiasm about Lewarne joining the team. "I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Lewarne to Franciscan University," Perry stated. "His deep background and commitment to economics grounded in free market principles coupled with his enthusiastic embrace of Catholic teaching will inspire the next generation of students and thinkers as we face a changing technological landscape."

Before his new role at Franciscan University, Lewarne was a senior partner at Deloitte Consulting where he led the applied economics practice within the firm's international donor advisory portfolio. He also held executive positions at AECOM International.

Lewarne's extensive career includes leading post-war economic reconstruction efforts for NATO in Kosovo and serving as chief economist for U.S. government programs in various countries including Montenegro, Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan, and Ukraine. In the 1990s, he was instrumental as a monetary policy advisor for central Asian republics after the Soviet Union's dissolution.

In addition to his public sector work, Lewarne has contributed significantly to international trade and development finance. His notable roles include leading the U.S. trade team in the Philippines from 2010 to 2015 and advising on implementing the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement between 2004 and 2008.

An entrepreneur as well as an academician, Lewarne helped establish investment ventures across post-Soviet regions. He has taught various economic courses at institutions such as Indiana University, Bates College, Moscow Financial Institute, and Moscow State University's American Institute for Business and Finance.

Lewarne has published works on subjects ranging from monetary policy in emerging markets to global issues like China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Reflecting on his new role at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Lewarne said: "I have always known that God is in everything, especially in economics and the decisions it helps us undertake. I thus felt called to join Franciscan University of Steubenville to try to instill in students the skills necessary to join the fury of the public square as both devout Catholics and shrewd policy analysts."

A photograph of Dr. Stephen Lewarne is available online.