Robert E. Weems Jr.

Dr. Robert E. Weems Jr. is the Willard W. Garvey Distinguished Professor of Business History at Wichita State University’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of History. He has held this position since Fall 2011, following roles at the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Iowa. His expertise spans African American business history, consumerism, and entrepreneurship, reflected in his authored books and documentary contributions.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1987
• M.A., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1982
• M.A., Boston University, 1975
• B.A., Western Illinois University, 1973

Research Interests: Weems focuses on African American business history, particularly in Chicago, exploring topics like financial empires (e.g., Anthony Overton), consumerism, and the intersection of race and economics. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary social issues, such as racism in entrepreneurship. He has authored four books and co-edited multiple volumes, including Desegregating the Dollar and Business in Black and White.

Awards:

• Willard W. Garvey Distinguished Professorship (Wichita State University)

Professional Contributions: As a historical advisor for the PBS documentary Boss: The Black Experience in Business (2019), he expanded public discourse on African American entrepreneurship. He also presented on racism and entrepreneurship at the Federal Reserve, linking historical trends to modern challenges.