The economic success of individuals, businesses, regions, and countries is heavily influenced by political and economic institutions and policies.Scott Beaulier’s research focusses on understanding and advocating for policies and institutions that foster dynamic, vibrant economies that best allow businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive.

Beaulier’s research has focused on a variety of issues, including the role of policy in enhancing economic development, factors influencing success in transitioning from a socialist to a market economy, the benefits of choice in education, the role of economic freedom in development, and the link between public-sector unions and public policy.

Scott Beaulier’s research in studying the impacts of government policies and institutions on economic growth and individual well-being has earned him a reputation as an expert in this area. As a result, he has been interviewed by a variety of media outlets regarding a number of issues, such as problems with defined-benefit pension plans, perverse incentives states face with regard to health care, the impact of sales taxes on food, and school choice.

Dr. Beaulier’s reputation in this area has also earned him a variety of leadership roles. Prior to becoming Dean of the College of Business at North Dakota State University, he served as Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty at Arizona State University, the Executive Director of the Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy at Troy University, Chair of the Division of Economics and Finance at Troy University, and the BB&T Distinguished Professor of Capitalism, the Chair of the Economics Department, and the Director of the Center for Undergraduate Research in Public Policy & Capitalism at Mercer Univeristy.

Beaulier’s 70+ research publications and papers have been cited nearly 400 times. His research has been published in a variety of journals, including Applied Economics, Eastern Economic Journal, Public Finance Review, and the Review of Austrian Economics.

As Dean of the North Dakota State University College of Business, Dr. Beaulier’s current focus is on developing and enhancing opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. He believes that while policies and institutions are critical to economic success, people – innovative, creative, and dedicated business leaders – are the lifeblood of any economy. Consequently, he is focused on leading a College of Business that develops such business leaders.

Scott A. Beaulier, Ph.D. joined North Dakota State University (NDSU) as Dean for the College of Business in June 2016.

An economist by training, Dr. Beaulier has spent his career actively engaged in understanding and advocating for policies that foster dynamic, vibrant economies that best allow businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive. But, while policies are integral, Dr. Beaulier believes that people — innovative, creative, and dedicated business leaders — are the life blood of any economy. And, business schools have an enormous responsibility and role in preparing the next generation to change the world through business.

Prior to joining NDSU, Dr. Beaulier served as Executive Director at the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty in the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, an academic and research center dedicated to studying the impact government policies have on economic growth and individual well-being.

From 2010 to 2015, Dr. Beaulier served as Executive Director of the Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy at Troy University. Under his leadership, the Johnson Center grew into a robust academic center: In just three years, Dr. Beaulier recruited seven top-notch Ph.D. economists to campus and expanded the program offerings to include both a major and a master of arts in economics.

In addition to leading the Johnson Center, Dr. Beaulier served as Chair of the Division of Economics and Finance at Troy University and, earlier in his career at Mercer University, was the BB&T Distinguished Professor of Capitalism, Chair of the Economics Department, and Director of the Center for Undergraduate Research in Public Policy & Capitalism. Dr. Beaulier earned an undergraduate degree from Northern Michigan University and a Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University.

Scott Beaulier

Dean
Richard H. Barry Hall, 102E 
(701) 231-8978
scott.beaulier@ndsu.edu