Darwin Brown

Darwin Brown is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), holding this position since 2022. Previously, he served as an Instructor of Finance at UIUC from 2018 to 2022. He earned a J.D. (1991) and B.S. in Business Administration (1988), both from UIUC.

His research focuses on Social Impact Investing in Urban Environments, emphasizing funding models for social entrepreneurship. Teaching interests include wealth management and social impact investing, reflected in courses like Personal Wealth Management (FIN 435) and Social Impact Investing (FIN 490/580).

Recent presentations include a 2021 talk on urban social entrepreneurship models and a 2020 discussion on funding strategies for social ventures. He has a grant from the Center for Professional Responsibility (2020–present). Courses often involve team projects, such as the Practicum (FIN 583), which pairs students with corporate sponsors for real-world financial projects.

Teaching specialties also extend to private banking, insurance wealth management, and advanced wealth management topics. His work bridges academic theory with practical applications in finance and urban development.