Irene Foster

Irene Foster is the Director of Inclusive Excellence and Professor of Economics at The George Washington University, affiliated with the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences. She has made significant contributions to economic education, assessment, and inclusive pedagogy.

Education:

• B.A. in Economics, University of Madras
• M.A. in Economics, University of Madras
• M.S. in Management, Krannert Graduate School of Management, Purdue University
• Ph.D. in Business (Marketing), Kelley School of Business, Indiana University

Her research focuses on economic education, particularly formative assessment of math preparedness for STEM and economics courses, and the assessment of student learning outcomes in introductory economics. She is passionate about inclusive excellence, curriculum design, and improving teaching effectiveness.

Professor Foster has taught Principles of Economics to over 12,000 students at GW since 2010 and has been recognized as one of the top introductory professors by students. Her work bridges educational theory, data-driven assessment, and practical classroom innovation.

Scientific Awards:

• Professor of the Year from Student Athletes
• 2012 University-wide Service Excellence Collaborative Initiative Award
• Morton A. Bender Teaching Award
• Robert W. Kenny Prize for Innovation in Teaching (CCAS)
• Inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Teachers (2015)

She has served in key academic leadership roles, including Assistant Director in the Office of Academic Planning and Assessment. She advises national organizations such as the College Board, ETS (Chair of CLEP Economics Committee), and Macmillan’s Faculty Advisory Board. She is also a reviewer for the Journal of Economic Education. Her grant funding includes support from General Motors Corporation, the United Negro College Fund, and the Tennessee Board of Regents. She previously taught at Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University, where she managed research projects for HCA, Cummins Filtration, and the Nashville Metropolitan Development and Housing Authority.

Though no formal lab or research team is mentioned, her work involves collaboration across departments and institutions to advance assessment practices and inclusivity in economics education.