Economics (ECON)

The Department of Economics seeks to give its students a fundamental understanding of economic processes and institutions with an emphasis on the liberal arts. Students learn to think critically using the analytical tools of economic study, allowing them to apply economic theory to economic and social issues. Majors in economics who intend to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree or to seek employment in the financial sector are advised to take courses in accounting. Economics majors interested in the consulting field should acquire strong computer skills and excellent writing skills, the latter through additional courses in English or journalism. Knowledge of mathematics is vital for students planning to pursue graduate study in economics. Students headed for graduate school are urged to seek the advice of  the economics faculty. Advanced study of a world language is essential for students interested in international career opportunities. Economics majors are encouraged to study abroad.

Honors: An Honors Program in economics is offered for qualified students; see department head for more information.

Department Head: Linda M. Hooks

Faculty

First date is the year in which the faculty member began service as regular faculty at the University. Second date is the year of appointment to the present rank.

Michael A. Anderson, Ph.D.—(1990)-2000
Robert E. Sadler Jr. Professor of Economics
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin

Niels-Hugo Blunch, Ph.D.—(2006)-2018
Professor of Economics
Ph.D., George Washington University

James F. Casey, Ph.D.—(1998)-2007
Associate Professor of Economics
Ph.D., North Carolina State University

Martin H. Davies, Ph.D.—(2009)-2016
Associate Professor of Economics
Ph.D., Oxford University

Timothy M. Diette, Ph.D.—(2004)-2019
Professor of Economics and Senior Advisor to the President for Strategic Analysis
Ph.D., University of North Carolina

Arthur H. Goldsmith, Ph.D.—(1990)-1996
Jackson T. Stephens Professor of Economics
Ph.D., University of Illinois

Peter Grajzl, Ph.D.—(2009)-2019
Ehrick Kilner Haight Sr. Term Professor of Economics, 2017-2020
Ph.D., University of Maryland

Aaron Joseph Guse, Ph.D.—(2005)-2018
John C. Winfrey Term Professor of Economics, 2017-2020
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin

Christopher M. Handy, Ph.D.—(2013)-2015
Assistant Professor of Economics
Ph.D., Cornell University

Linda M. Hooks, Ph.D.—(1993)-2005
Professor of Economics
Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles

James R. Kahn, Ph.D.—(2000)-2000
John F. Hendon Professor of Economics
Ph.D., University of Maryland

Carl Paul Kaiser, Ph.D.—(1979)-1991
Professor of Economics
Ph.D., Washington University

Matthew Naven, Ph.D.—(2019)-2019
Assistant Professor of Economics
Ph.D., University of California, Davis

Katharine L. Shester, Ph.D.—(2011)-2017
Associate Professor of Economics
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University

Shikha Basnet Silwal, Ph.D.—(2012)-2019
Associate Professor of Economics
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh