The Economics Advisory Board (EAB) is another way that alumni are making a difference at Ohio State. Established in 2015 as an advisory body to the department chairman, the EAB works to advance our department’s mission, with major focal points being to enhance the experience of undergraduate majors and graduate students, to build the alumni network, and be an advocate for the department both within and outside the University.
Early on, the EAB was instrumental in creating and funding the role of Career Services Coordinator for the department, temporarily vacant and soliciting applicants, but recently held by Amy Louise (now Undergraduate Program Coordinator). Since its inception the EAB has been an advocate for the department’s need for improved space relative to Arps Hall, where it has resided since the 1980’s. Given strong support from the College, soon the department will be moving to Bricker Hall on the Oval. The EAB has also created a number of panel sessions comprising alumni and experts in fields such as banking and investment, international trade, health economics, and data sciences. These sessions have provided students with more exposure to key issues, as well as career paths, in these fields. Some EAB members serve as student mentors, and some have created funds that support various departmental activities and/or students.
The EAB is now chaired by Chris Marshall for 2024-26, succeeding previous Chair Dick Willke and the founding Chair, Scott Gledhill. It currently comprises 12 departmental alumni as well as one graduate student and two undergraduate student representatives. Our new recent student members include Abigail Bardwell, Nolan Gleespen, and Guanting Yi. We mourn the recent passing of David Jones, one of the founding EAB members. We regularly accept new members; anyone interested should contact the department chair, Huanxing Yang.
