On April 18, the University of Utah will officially combine its Department of Economics with the Quantitative Analysis of Markets and Organizations (QAMO) program to establish a new School of Economics.
This strategic move, as described by Provost Mitzi Montoya, aims to streamline research efforts and enhance academic collaboration.
However, the decision has ignited considerable debate among faculty and students over concerns regarding differing missions and resource allocations.
The University of Utah has a history of significant academic restructuring, previously merging the College of Science with the College of Mines and Earth Sciences and integrating the School for Cultural and Social Transformation with the College of Humanities.
Historically, the Department of Economics has undergone various transformations since the university’s establishment in 1850, evolving from an Economics and Sociology Department in 1917 to the current setup under the College of Social and Behavioral Science.
QAMO was initiated in 2017 within the School of Business with substantial backing from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, the Marriner S. Eccles Foundation, and initially from the Charles Koch Foundation, which has since withdrawn support.
The Koch Foundation’s involvement raised eyebrows among academics, who feared it could threaten academic freedom due to the founders’ conservative political ties.
A collective of 85 faculty members, students, and alumni expressed their concerns about the implications for academic independence in light of the Koch donation.
Commentary from 2018 suggested that the Koch Foundation’s interest in QAMO stemmed from a desire to counteract what was perceived as a “Marxist characterization” of the Department of Economics.
Editorials have claimed that, for decades, both the University of Utah’s economics department and Cuba were seen as strongholds for Marxist thought in North America.
During the 1960s, the university hired numerous left-leaning social scientists seeking robust tenure protections, leading to economics moving from the School of Business to the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Department Chair of Economics Tom Maloney responded to claims of a lack of heterodox perspectives, asserting that the department actually boasts a broad array of methods and schools of thought.
He expressed admiration for the community of intellectuals within the department, stating, “I like being around a community of really smart people who are asking big and diverse questions.”
The two entities encompassed by the merger differ in their academic focuses; QAMO concentrates on microeconomic studies related to firm and company-level decision-making, while the Department of Economics delves into historical, philosophical, and broader social implications of economic theories.
QAMO Chair Scott Schaefer identified his division as focused primarily on the business decision-making aspect of economics, emphasizing its applicability to current issues that resonate with students.
Kurt Dirks, Dean of the David Eccles School of Business, highlighted the advantages of consolidation, positing that a unified School of Economics would provide clarity and a comprehensive curriculum catering to diverse student interests.
In a letter from the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the rationale for merging the two units stressed the benefits of connecting curriculum, funding, and faculty expertise more effectively.
The letter also referred to a thorough review of economics research and feedback from faculty surveys regarding the formation of the new school.
Notably, the Hillman Report, an external productivity evaluation conducted by Arizona State University professor Dr. Amy Hillman, showcased QAMO’s superior performance compared to the Department of Economics in terms of research output and publication success.
Survey results indicated strong opposition among faculty members from both sides regarding the merger’s implications.
While external grants and book publications are recognized indicators of success, the report noted that publication in leading academic journals is the most crucial factor influencing an academic unit’s reputation for excellence.
Maloney criticized the report’s analysis as too narrow and unrepresentative of the department’s broader accomplishments.
Rudiger von Arnim, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and an economics professor, asserted the report does not accurately reflect the comprehensive nature of the Department of Economics, highlighting its impressive interdisciplinary research output.
The department has seen significant improvements in research productivity over the past decade, with metrics showing that peer-reviewed journal articles per faculty member have tripled.
Despite concerns raised about the disparity in resources between QAMO and Economics, with faculty salaries being one area of contention, Schaefer acknowledged that merging the two programs could lead to a more streamlined budget process.
Tashjian, a former faculty member who helped launch QAMO, expressed optimism regarding the potential positive impacts on students from an integrated system.
Many faculty members voiced apprehension about possible salary inequalities following the merger, especially considering that faculty salaries in business schools generally outpace those in economics departments.
Provost Montoya did acknowledge in a recent faculty town hall that resource disparities must be addressed, though no concrete solutions have emerged.
Concerns also linger regarding the potential for increased student fees, as some alumni pointed out the higher costs associated with obtaining degrees from the School of Business.
Ashley Caldwell, an Economics major, shared worries about additional tuition burdens due to the merger, although she feels the impact on her academic trajectory will be negligible.
The announcement regarding the new School of Economics revealed that the application process for the shared chair of the school will commence in mid-May and conclude in mid-June.
This chair will report jointly to the deans of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the School of Business.
Peter Trapa, the vice provost and senior dean for Liberal Arts and Sciences, is designated to oversee this transition process, which will be driven primarily by faculty input.
Schaefer noted that the development trajectory of the school will closely align with the guidelines and direction set forth by the deans and administrative leadership.
The hire of a chair who possesses strong collaborative and listening skills has been highlighted as essential for representing diverse student needs effectively.
While the merging of the departments is seen as an opportunity to create a more cohesive academic experience, doubts about unequal resource allocation and varying academic standards within the new structure continue to cast a shadow over this union.
In conclusion, while the University of Utah aims to enhance its academic offerings through the creation of a unified School of Economics, it faces a challenging path ahead as it seeks to harmonize disparate departmental missions and address faculty and student concerns.
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