Yuan Wang, one of University of Houston-Victoria’s newest faculty members, takes pride in her work and loves having the opportunity to shape young minds. She is thrilled to be an assistant professor of management at UHV.

Yuan Wang

“What I like the most about UHV is seeing everything grow and develop,” Wang said. “I’m also getting all different kinds of students. I try to get to know them and find the best way to educate them.”

Wang, who originally is from China, knew she wanted a career in education at a very young age, and it seems to run in the family. Her mom is a college professor, and her father works at the educational bureau in China. She remembers seeing what her mom did for her students, and then she realized that she also wanted to be a professor.

“The main goal right now is to try to make sure that all of the students are enjoying the class,” she said. “So, whenever I’m looking through the teacher evaluations and see students enjoy my class, it makes me very happy. But other students made points about areas that I need to improve, which will help me get better the next time.”

Wang said there are three important parts in her profession: teaching, research and service. She spends her time teaching, making preparations for her classes, spending time with the students, doing in-depth research, getting the classroom managed and providing a wide range of services to the community.

“They are all very important,” she said.

Wang started teaching at UHV in August 2017. She previously was a graduate research teaching assistant and an instructor for two years at the University of Toledo in Ohio. Wang received a doctorate in manufacturing management and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction at the University of Toledo. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international business at Yanshan University in Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China.

During her job interview at UHV, Wang found the faculty and staff to be very nice. She also liked that UHV was expanding and growing. Wang saw opportunities for herself at UHV and loved that she would be moving to a warmer climate.

“I don’t really do well during the winter,” she said. “So, when I was interviewed at UHV, I was thinking, ‘Oh, amazing weather. I should love this place!’”

Wang has enjoyed her time in Victoria. She said the location is ideal for travel. 

“It’s a very nice, quiet, small town,” she said. “After one year of living here, I figured out it was in the middle of Austin, Houston and San Antonio, which makes it very easy to travel.”

Wang said she has had the opportunity to become more engaged with the school and interacting with her students.

“I’m on campus for three to four days a week, and I enjoy my time here,” she said. “I enjoy going to the UHV events with students, such as the International Festival. It is great fun to join the international students in preparing food, getting dressed in traditional dresses and introducing their cultures. It is difficult to be far away from my home country. I might be able to help students if they’re missing home as well. I'm willing to be here when they need me.”

Faculty Feature is an online feature highlighting faculty members from each of the University of Houston-Victoria’s three schools. To nominate a faculty member, contact Ashley Strevel, UHV communications manager, or call 361-570-4296.