Cornerstone University Dean Featured in National Townhall Op-Ed
Cornerstone University is excited to recognize Dr. Jeffery L. Degner, associate professor of economics and dean of the School of Business & Innovation, for his recent national publication on Townhall.com. His op-ed, “Boomers Wanted Grandkids. The Fed Helped Price Them Out of Existence,” takes a closer look at how rising costs — especially housing and everyday living expenses — are making it harder for young adults to get married, buy homes and start families.
“The inflation culture … is here, and it’s leading to an understandable pessimism about the future,” Degner writes. He notes that financial pressures are growing, especially for those just starting out in life, adding:
“For poorer families planning to save for the future … the measly 2.08 percent they would have earned in a typical CD is making them fall further and further behind.”
“Ironically, it’s the older generation who are pining for grandchildren that are nowhere to be found … who seem blissfully unaware that their bulging home equity has a trade-off: fewer baby bumps.”
The op-ed builds on themes from Dr. Degner’s new book, “Inflation and the Family: Monetary Policy’s Impact on Household Life” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2025), where he explores how long-term inflation influences decisions about relationships, homeownership and preparing for the future. His scholarship continues to enter national conversations about how economic systems impact families and communities.
Cornerstone’s School of Business & Innovation helps students become creative problem-solvers and principled leaders. By integrating Biblical wisdom with measurable skills that employers value, students gain a distinctive edge — graduating with the mindset and abilities the marketplace, especially the financial marketplace, needs right now. Through real-world learning and meaningful mentorship, our graduates are equipped to strengthen families, support their communities and contribute to a hopeful future that honors Jesus Christ.
Explore Cornerstone’s School of Business & Innovation’s marketplace-ready accredited degree programs by contacting admissions counselors at admissions@cornerstone.edu or calling 616.222.1426.
