New Director of Economic Research Center

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas has announced the appointment of Katherine A. Deck as director of the Center for Business and Economic Research.

Deck has served as interim director of the center since Jan. 1, 2007, and was previously the associate director.

“We believe Kathy’s leadership in overseeing high-level economic research and her experience in serving the center’s constituents made her the right choice for this position,” said Don Bland, Walton College senior managing director of outreach. “She brings a combination of skills and knowledge to this position that will help the center to be an important economic resource for the State of Arkansas.” Deck will report to Bland.

Deck joined the Walton College in 2001 as a research associate. She was named associate director of the center in 2003. She holds a bachelor of science in economics from the College of William and Mary and a master of science in economics from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to joining the Walton College, she was the antitrust economist for the Arizona Office of the Attorney General.

Previous research led by Deck includes the “The Economic Impact of Methamphetamine Use in Benton County,” “Projecting the Economic Impact of the Fayetteville Shale Play for 2005-2008,” “Assessing the Economic Impact of the Fayetteville, Arkansas Smoking Ban,” and “Assessing the Economic Impact of the 6^th Annual Bikes, Blues and BBQ Festival on the City of Fayetteville.”  Deck has also been the project manager for the Arvest Bank-sponsored Skyline Report, since the inception of the project. She has helped coordinate the annual Business Forecast luncheon hosted by the Walton College. In addition, she is a frequent commentator on economic issues in the state and local media.

The Walton College Center for Business and Economic Research is a public service and outreach organization whose mission is to serve its constituents with the highest quality research support; basic and applied business and economic analysis; timely, relevant business, economic and related public policy information; and other outreach activities. In addition to supporting research within the college, the center supports economic development by providing economic and demographic data and analysis to business, government and individuals. Recent studies have been conducted for the city of Ozark, Arvest Bank Group and the Nursing Education Consortium. The center also actively works with the economic development community of the state to build Arkansas’ capacity to create high-wage, high-skill employment.