~July~
Gary Clayton, Ph.D
Professor of Economics
Northern Kentucky University
At an IAES Executive Committee meeting during the fall of 2004, members discussed the topic of attracting undergraduate students to the economics profession. After some discussion, there was an agreement that a competition featuring undergraduate authored papers could be promising. Despite a few major obstacles, the meeting ended with a general agreement that there was a reasonable framework. The Best Undergraduate Paper Award Competition (BUPA) was underway! Spearheaded by Dr. Gary Clayton, the competition took a large degree of commitment and organization. The very same year he also put together a proposal for the IAES Endowment Fund, which was established in order to provide an annual award for the best article published in the Atlantic Economic Journal. Dr. Clayton has served on the International Advances in Economic Research Board of Editors since 2010 and has constantly played a vital role within the Society. This year makes the 10th anniversary of the BUPA competition and we would like to extend a huge Thank You for all of your continued support, Dr. Clayton!
Learn more about BUPA competition or ways to support.
Why did you become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?
The idea of meeting so many colleagues from abroad was the major appeal.
What do you find most enjoyable about your involvement with the IAES?
The impact of the Best Undergraduate Paper Competition on future economists was most appealing, and I should say challenging at the same time.
What types of projects/research are you working on and what inspires/motivates your field of study?
Preparing teaching materials for middle school and high school students for McGraw-Hill/Glencoe takes most of my time – but is well worth it I know as that is where the majority of our citizens get their knowledge of economics.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work or field of study?
A solid foundation in mathematics, history and politics of course, but first and foremost be interested in the general topic of “how things work.”
Favorite hobby:
Old science fiction movies, especially if they have space ships and aliens.
Interesting Fact:
I am the only American to receive an honorary doctorate from PFUR, the People’s Friendship University of Russia (formerly the Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow, the premier cold-war university with the stated objective of helping Third World nations, mainly in Asia, Africa and South America, by providing higher education and professional training).