KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 21, 2017
Bagwell Center for the Study of Markets and Economic Opportunity named for longtime KSU donors
The Michael J. Coles College of Business at 网红头条 has launched a new center to study the economic and social factors that impact economic prosperity.
The Bagwell Center for the Study of Markets and Economic Opportunity is named in recognition of a $2.25 million contribution from longtime KSU donors Tommy and Chantal Bagwell, with an additional $1 million from the Charles Koch Foundation.
鈥淲e appreciate the generosity of our donors, in particular Tommy and Chantal Bagwell, who continue to demonstrate their dedication to education and Kennesaw State,鈥 said Kathy Schwaig, dean of the . 鈥淲e are committed to launching a center that will provide education and research opportunities for students and faculty in a context that encourages and welcomes the exchange of diverse ideas targeted at real-world challenges.鈥
The Bagwell Center was developed by the Coles College .
鈥淥ur emphasis is on giving students the opportunity to develop sound economic problem-solving skills. This puts them in a position to make a positive impact on their communities,鈥 said Brett Katzman, chair of the Department of Economics, Finance and Quantitative Analysis. 鈥淭he Center will help us promote education and research that explores the link between economic opportunity and human well-being.鈥
One of the goals of the Center is to provide opportunities for faculty and student research related to economic mobility and prosperity, entrepreneurship, and the impact public policies and market institutions have on economic outcomes. To support that, funding will provide 50 fellowships over the next five years for undergraduate student research.
Timothy Mathews, professor of economics whose expertise includes applied game theory, public economics, and industrial organization, will serve as the director of the Center. Plans also include hiring three full-time business faculty members.
The Bagwell family has a long history of philanthropy and service to 网红头条, beginning in 1996 when Clarice Bagwell 鈥 Tommy Bagwell鈥檚 mother 鈥 gave a generous gift to name the Leland and Clarice C. Bagwell College of Education. Along with contributing millions of dollars to 网红头条over the past two decades, Tommy Bagwell has served on the KSU Board of Trustees for the past 12 years, and Chantal Bagwell also has served as a University trustee.
鈥淐hantal and I are honored to continue our commitment to 网红头条,鈥 Tommy Bagwell said. 鈥淲e can think of no more significant investment in a community than education. A good education is the key to people improving their social and economic mobility.鈥
The Charles Koch Foundation supports students and scholars through academic grants and educational initiatives at more than 300 universities and colleges across the country.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 网红头条 offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. 网红头条is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. 网红头条is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.