A new study published in the journal Economics Bulletin finds that Columbus State University D. Abbott Turner College of Business’ economics faculty ranks sixth overall in terms of research productivity from the more than 200 colleges and universities in the U.S. South that are classified by U.S. News & World Report as regional universities.
 
The study, titled “Out of Big Brother’s Shadow: Ranking Economics Faculties at Regional Universities in the U.S. South,” was written by economists Frank Mixon of Columbus State University and Kamal Upadhyaya of the University of New Haven. The article appears in the Aug. 24 issue of the Vanderbilt University-based journal, Economics Bulletin, online at www.economicsbulletin.com/.
 
The study indicates that CSU’s economics faculty trails only those at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, James Madison University in Virginia, Southeastern Louisiana University, Trinity University in Texas and Loyola University – New Orleans.  By ranking sixth overall, the CSU economics faculty is the highest-ranked economics faculty among Georgia regional universities.
 
“We are proud of the research productivity of all of the faculty in the Turner College,” said Linda Hadley, the Bill Heard professor of Finance and dean of the college. “Dr. Mixon is undoubtedly one of our most prolific scholars. His research is highly regarded and frequently cited, bringing welcome recognition to CSU and the Turner College of Business.”
 
Mixon attributes a major portion of the CSU economics faculty’s research productivity to the support provided by the Turner College’s administration.
 
“The administration, from the dean’s office down to the department chair, both present and past, have been very supportive of our research endeavors, which leads to a productive environment that ultimately benefits Columbus State’s students and alumni through recognition like this,” Mixon said.
 
The Turner College economics faculty currently consists of Ben Blair, the Sarah T. Butler Endowed Professor, associate professors Andres Jauregui and Tesa Leonce, professor Frank Mixon, and assistant professor Wen Shi.

“It is so important to see faculty research recognized; Kudos to our economics professor,” said Tina Butcher, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “When our faculty engage in nationally relevant research, it is a recognition of their expertise and significantly helps our students who can often participate in the research and are the ultimate beneficiaries of teachers who model active participation in research.”