Gilbert Bassett, PhD
Professor and Department Head
Finance

Degree: PhD, University of Michigan
Courses: MBA 590: Chicago Exchanges; FIN 571 Empirical Issues in Finance; Seminar on Quantile Modeling
Areas of Interest: Statistics, Empirical Finance
Research Specialties: Empirical Finance, Quantile Models and Estimation, Statistics, Energy and Environment, Statistics and Sports, Decision Risk and Voting

Which class do you enjoy teaching the most and why?
I have been teaching Chicago Exchanges since 2002 and it has become the class I enjoy teaching the most. I am able to put the CEO of the Chicago Exchanges in front of my MBA students. We all have the opportunity to hear from leaders of financial exchanges and learn about rapid developments occurring in the economy.

What do you do on your days off?
I enjoy hanging around the house, spending time with my two grandchildren, reading, exercising and digital photography.

What was the last book you read for fun?
"The Difference" by Scott Page. I am only half way through it so I am not sure whether to recommend it to others yet.

Why do you feel an MBA is essential in the business world?
An MBA is an important ingredient to an individual's career. Finance has become more and more technical over the years. An MBA is the first step in a life-long process in staying on top of the constantly changing field that allows you the ability to continue to absorb and learn. It is not just the ticket but the part of learning associated with the ticket.

What drew you to UIC? What made you want to teach here?
The location was most important to me. Next was the opportunity to do research here.

What advice do you have for students?
I would advise students to view MBA courses as an opportunity to learn the basic fundamental materials needed for the real world. Don't just earn the piece of paper. Down the road use the education you receive. It is critical to put as much effort as possible into it because that is what you will get out of it.

What was your favorite memory from being a student?
The adrenaline rush I would get from solving problems.

What do you enjoy most about Chicago?
The diverse array of restaurants. I enjoy Thai and Mexican food. The best Thai restaurant is Amerinds although it's in River Forest, it is well worth the drive. Maiz, Topolobampo and Frontera Grill are among my favorite Mexican restaurants in this city.


CONTACT THE LGSB:

Liautaud Graduate School of Business
815 W. Van Buren (MC 077) Suite 220
Chicago, IL 60607

Phone: (312) 996-4573
Fax: (312) 413-0338

E-mail: mba@uic.edu