Advancing Economics, Transforming Lives

April 2009

From the Department Chair

As we learn more about the depth and breadth of the world economic crisis, it is increasingly clear that the skills we develop in our program will be even more critical and valued in the face of new economic, environmental, and social realities.  Businesses, non-profits, and governments everywhere need to manage their way through this time of increased uncertainty about our collective future.  The era of complacency and business-as-usual is definitely over.  New models of business, development, and environmental assessment must be built.  These models must increasingly recognize global interdependencies and work in harmony with each other.  Our department is uniquely positioned to assist with these more integrated approaches to world economic problems.

I’ve noticed a definite uptick in the range of people interested in what the department can offer.  More Michigan stakeholders, foreign governments, and major agencies are coming to us for advice and skill building.  A few examples follow.

• Earlier this year, the Department played a key role in establishing a Joint Declaration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).  Under this agreement, MSU will work closely with UNIDO to help world leaders better understand how to build value chains.  This work will lead to increased access to markets for producers and decreased poverty.

• Twice in the past year, faculty members have been called to Switzerland to advise at high profile international meetings related to solving world economic problems. Prof. John Staatz advised the Geneva Trade and Development Forum and Prof.Tom Reardon advised the World Economic Forum. 

• Over thirty countries are represented among our graduate students.

• We’ve seen an overwhelming response to our seminars on the impact of the financial crisis on Michigan farmers, local governments, and lenders. 

To sustain the momentum we have achieved we need to diversify our sources of support.  We are exploring new variations on our program offerings, but we also rely on contributions from alumni and other friends.  There are many ways that our friends can help.  You can give a direct gift, create an internship to provide experience and financial support for a student, or you can take advantage of the many creative options for planned giving.  Did you know you and your spouse can donate your home to the department and still live there?  For more on planned giving, contact Sue Woodard at 517-355-0284, email woodards@msu.edu.

We continue to receive positive feedback about our efforts to keep in touch with you.  Please let us know what you’ve been doing, or send us ideas of things you’d like to know more about.

Sincerely,

Steve Hanson
Department Chair