Years at Knox: 1981 to present

Education
Ph.D., Economics, 1984, Indiana University
M.A., Economics, 1969, Northwestern University
B.A., Economics, 1968, Wabash College

Professional Interests
"My current study applies statistical analyses in two distinct areas of study. My new interest is modeling oxygen uptake and maximal effort of cardiac patients participating in rehabilitation programs prescribed to restore as much cardiovascular function as possible. It is fun to apply statistical methods outside economics, and it allows me to work with specialists at one of our local hospitals, Cottage Hospital.

My continuing interest is on the reclamation of farmland after surface mining. With help from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Department of Agriculture, I have collected data on over 700 fields in the mining reclamation program in Illinois. My analyses show that the speed and degree of reclamation depends on specific methods of mining and soil replacement, the soil types at the mined area, the crops planted, annual growing conditions and time."

Teaching Interests
Principles of Economics, Macroeconomics, Money and Banking, Law and Economics, Public Finance, Statistics and Econometrics

Recent Publications
"Prime Farmland Variability in Meeting Post-Mining Yield Targets." Proceedings of Prime Farmland Interactive Forum, 1998.

"Performance Rankings of Illinois School Districts." Research study conducted with Knox professors Roy Andersen, Martin Eisenberg and James Nowlan, commissioned by the Taxpayers Federation of Illinois, 1993-1996.

Presentations
Presentation, State of Illinois' Office of Trade and Investment Seminar.

Activities and Recognitions
Presentation for the Prime Farmland Reclamation Forum, sponsored by the United States Office of Surface Mines.

Expert testimony in hearings before the Illinois Department of Mines and Minerals, 1995

"Hedonic Damages: Pseudo-Scientific Economics," presentation for the Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel, Phoenix, AZ, 1993

Contact
309-341-7325 
rstout@knox.edu

What Students Say
"Professor Stout presents the student with an uncommon approach to economics.  He wants you to understand the material from new analytical perspectives, which leads to a better and well-rounded knowledge of economic principles.  He is an extremely helpful faculty member.  He wants his students to excel, and for this reason, he always has time to share with you when you need it.  He is very approachable and enjoys mixing with students."
—Ferranti Costa, Economics and International Relations Major