Students and faculty from Morehead State University’s Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology participated in the 48th Annual Kentucky Economic Association Conference on October 24, 2025, showcasing original research on economic policy and labor dynamics. A team of undergraduate students—Allyson Weinert, Amy Roberts, Charles Gunn, Brodie Tincher, Sarah Pace, Jarrett Stephens, and Hannah Sparks—presented a collaborative study titled “Understanding the Economic Concept of Incentives: Will Changes to Federal Loan Policies Push Colleges to Raise Tuition? A Look at Kentucky’s Public Appalachian Colleges.”
The paper, co-authored with 30 other undergraduate researchers, investigates how modifications in federal student loan regulations might influence tuition-setting behaviors among public institutions in Kentucky’s Appalachian region. Sparks noted that the experience broadened her understanding of how policy changes affect students directly, while Stephens described the conference as transformative, offering new perspectives on economic theory and personal relevance.
Faculty representation included Dr. Elaine Agyemang Tontoh, assistant professor of economics, who presented her work titled “The Triple Day Thesis Versus Neoclassical Models of Labour Supply: Alternative Perspectives and Policies.” Her research challenges conventional labor supply models by arguing that women’s limited availability for rest, education, and personal well-being should be treated as an economic constraint rather than a matter of individual choice.
Dr. Janet Ratliff, professor of management and entrepreneurship and chair of the Department of Business Administration, commended both the student-led initiative and Tontoh’s scholarly contribution, highlighting their alignment with the department’s mission of fostering applied learning and academic excellence. She also acknowledged the mentorship provided by Dr. Steve Chen and logistical support from Angie Ovard in facilitating the group’s participation.
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MSU Students, Faculty Showcase Economics Research
Students and faculty from the Department of Business Administration at Morehead State University’s Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology recently represented MSU at the 48th Annual Kentucky Economic Association Conference, held on Oct. 24, 2025. n nUndergraduate students Allyson Weinert (freshman small business management major from Flemingsburg), Amy Roberts (sophomore marketing major from Morehead), Charles Gunn (senior political science major from Louisville), Brodie Tincher (freshman information systems major from Morehead), Sarah Pace (junior marketing major from Mt. Sterling), Jarrett Stephens (sophomore information systems major from Frankfort), and Hannah Sparks (sophomore finance major from Louisa) presented their paper, “Understanding the Economic Concept of Incentives: Will Changes to Federal Loan Policies Push Colleges to Raise Tuition? A Look at Kentucky’s Public Appalachian Colleges.” n nThe study, co-authored with 30 fellow undergraduate researchers, examines how shifts in federal loan policy could influence tuition pricing strategies among Kentucky’s public universities. n n“The conference has opened my mind to newer possibilities in my thinking,” said Sparks. “Along with this research that we did, it allowed me to better understand how much certain changes affect us as college students, and I am interested in continuing my research into more expansive details.” n nStephens also reflected on the experience. n n“The time I had at the Kentucky Economic Association Conference held at Western Kentucky University was eventful,” he said. “It was filled with learning experiences, allowing me to further delve into the economic world. Being able to present and converse on a topic that was close to my own personal life opened doors that hadn’t been there before.” n nFaculty representation was also strong at the conference. Dr. Elaine Agyemang Tontoh, assistant professor of economics, presented her research, “The Triple Day Thesis Versus Neoclassical Models of Labour Supply: Alternative Perspectives and Policies.” n nHer study reexamines traditional labor-supply models by arguing that women’s limited time for rest, learning, and self-care should be recognized as a constrained economic resource rather than a personal preference. n nTontoh expressed gratitude to Dr. Steve Chen, professor of sport management, for his mentorship and support, as well as to Angie Ovard, academic department specialist, for her assistance in coordinating travel for the group. n nDr. Janet Ratliff (Class of 1991, 1992), professor of management/entrepreneurship and chair of the Department of Business Administration, praised the department’s representation at the conference. n n“Our department takes immense pride in seeing both faculty and student scholarship recognized on a statewide platform,” she said. “The student-led project and Dr. Tontoh’s impactful research exemplify our mission to promote applied learning and research excellence.”