Degner Named Dean of Cornerstone’s School of Business & Innovation
For nearly a decade, Dr. Jeffery Degner, associate professor of economics, has taught college-level economics and business courses while becoming a trusted voice on the free enterprise tradition. This month, Degner began a new appointment as dean of Cornerstone University’s School of Business & Innovation.
Degner’s most recent leadership role brings together his commitments to teaching excellence through Christian worldview integration in business curricula, research and presentation of scholarly work, and development of student mentoring opportunities. His areas of academic interest include monetary policy and its cultural consequences, health care economics, and public policy. Degner has published articles and literature reviews in academic journals such as the Quarterly Journal of Austrian Economics and the Interdisciplinary Journal of Philosophy, Law, and Economics.
“Dr. Degner is a natural leader whose competence, quiet confidence, and sincerity draw people to him,” said Dr. Bradford Sample, vice president for academics and chief academic officer. “As an economist he has a firm grasp of business and the forces that impact it. He is one of the more popular, but challenging professors on campus, which has earned him the respect of both students and peers. Most importantly, Dr. Degner is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and is kind and considerate toward all, showing respect to everyone he interacts with throughout the day. We are blessed to have such a leader at the helm of the School of Business & Innovation.”
Degner recently became a fellow with the Mises Institute. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in economic science from the Universite d’Angers in France, a Master of Arts in applied economics from Western Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree in economics and history for secondary education. Degner’s doctoral dissertation, “The Family in the Inflation Culture,” demonstrated a theoretical and data-based link between monetary inflation and family disintegration around the world. French economist Dr. Hervé Magnouloux exclaimed that “Degner’s work is remarkable for the powerful synthesis” that integrated economics, law, sociology, and more.
“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to lead our School of Business & Innovation as we pursue the goal of being the nation’s most Biblically faithful, free enterprise school that continues to produce graduates who are innovators and influencers that glorify Jesus in all that they do,” Degner commented. “Our amazing faculty and staff are critical in achieving that mission and their real-world business experience helps us deliver the kind of rigorous, relevant, and relational learning experiences that are second to none. It’s a joy to serve alongside them and our university leadership in building toward becoming the destination of choice for Christian students and their families.”
Cornerstone recently introduced a new major in business data analytics in response to growing student interest and national projections indicating a projected job growth rate of over 30 percent in this field by 2027. This program integrates business studies with advanced analytics technologies such as AI and machine learning.
Degner has a contract with Palgrave Macmillan for his first book, “Inflation and the Family: Monetary Policy’s Impact on Household Life.” The forthcoming work will present further topical discussions regarding inflation based on his dissertation research.
To learn more about the School of Business & Innovation and Cornerstone’s investment in high-demand programs, request information online or call the Admissions Office at 616.949.5300 to connect with an enrollment counselor.
