Dr. Dan S. Rickman, a Regents Professor of Economics and holder of the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Services Chair in Regional Economic Analysis at Oklahoma State University, has been awarded the 2025 Walter Isard Award for Scholarly Achievement by the North American Regional Science Council (NARSC). This distinction represents the highest scholarly honor in the field of regional science across North America. n nRickman expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, noting that the award—named after the founder of regional science—affirms his lifelong dedication to research and academic inquiry. His work has significantly advanced theoretical and methodological frameworks within the discipline over the course of his career. n nEstablished in 1994, the Walter Isard Award honors scholars who have made enduring contributions to regional science. The namesake, Walter Isard, was a pioneering economist and academic who founded the Regional Science Association and taught at institutions including Harvard, MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell. n nSince joining OSU in 1996, Rickman has emerged as a leading authority in the field, publishing more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, along with numerous book chapters, policy studies, and reports. His research has appeared in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Regional Science, Papers in Regional Science, and Regional Studies, as well as prominent economics publications like the American Economic Review and the Journal of International Economics. n nWith over 8,000 citations, his scholarship has influenced a broad range of academic disciplines. In addition to his research output, Rickman has held leadership roles in professional organizations, serving as past president of both the NARSC and the Southern Regional Science Association (SRSA). He is a fellow of SRSA and the Regional Science Association International (RSAI) and received the David Boyce Award for Service to Regional Science. n nHis editorial contributions include leadership roles at Growth and Change and the Review of Regional Studies, and he serves on multiple editorial boards. Collaborating with Dr. Hongbo Wang at the Spears Business Center for Applied Economic Research, Rickman helps maintain Oklahoma’s only large-scale econometric forecasting model at a public university, providing critical data to state agencies such as the Oklahoma Tax Commission and State Board of Equalization. n nRickman earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wyoming, where he also completed a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration.
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Economics professor Rickman wins Walter Isard Award for Scholarly Achievement
Media Contact: Stephen Howard | Director of Marketing & Communications | 405-744-4363 | stephen.howard@okstate.edu n nAn Oklahoma State University professor holds the highest North American honor in regional economics. n nDr. Dan S. Rickman received the 2025 Walter Isard Award for Scholarly Achievement from the North American Regional Science Council (NARSC). Rickman is a Regents Professor of Economics and Oklahoma Gas and Electric Services Chair in Regional Economic Analysis in OSU’s Spears School of Business. n n“I feel truly humbled and grateful to receive the award named after the founder of my field of study,” Rickman said. “The award brings me a sense of achievement and satisfaction, along with the feeling that I chose the right field of study to pursue knowledge and make my contribution to society.” n nEstablished in 1994, the Walter Isard Award for Scholarly Achievement pays tribute to regional scientists who have made significant theoretical and methodological contributions to the regional science field throughout their careers. n nThe award’s namesake was known as the father of regional science, founder of the Regional Science Association and a leading scholar in the worldwide regional science community. Isard taught economics courses at Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University. n nAn OSU professor since 1996, Rickman has established himself as one of the foremost scholars in regional science. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, numerous book chapters, reports and policy studies. n n“Dr. Rickman is an iconic member of OSU’s Department of Economics, and this award reflects the extraordinary impact of his scholarship on the field of regional economics and science,” said Dr. J.B. Kim, economics department head, professor and Tom and Edna Mae Carson Centennial Chair. “His recognition brings great distinction not only to his own career but also to our department, highlighting the strength and national visibility of our research community.” n nRickman’s work appears in the most prestigious regional science journals, including the Journal of Regional Science, Papers in Regional Science, Regional Science and Urban Economics, and Regional Studies. n nHe has also published in leading economics journals such as the American Economic Review, Review of Economics and Statistics, Journal of International Economics, and Journal of Business & Economics Statistics. Rickman’s scholarship has been cited over 8,000 times, underscoring the broad and lasting influence of his research across disciplines. n nBeyond his research excellence, Rickman has been a pillar of service and leadership within the regional science community. He is a past president of both the NARSC and the Southern Regional Science Association (SRSA) and has been recognized as a fellow of both SRSA and the Regional Science Association International (RSAI). His distinguished service has been acknowledged through the David Boyce Award for Service to Regional Science, one of NARSC’s highest honors. n nThrough editorial leadership, Rickman has contributed substantially to the field, serving as editor of Growth and Change and the Review of Regional Studies. He is a member of numerous editorial boards. n nRickman works with Dr. Hongbo Wang in the Spears Business Center for Applied Economic Research, home to the state’s only large-scale econometric forecasting model at a public university. Their in-depth economic forecasts are a resource for the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Oklahoma State Board of Equalization and chambers of commerce across Oklahoma. n nRickman holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wyoming, where he also obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science and his master’s in public administration.