Faculty

"I am interested in methodological debates in economics and alternatives to neoclassical economics, the dominant paradigm in American economics. In my classes I try to illustrate how thinking about economics in different ways can lead to different conclusions about how to respond to macroeconomic and environmental challenges and how to think about political-economic topics like social inequality. I try to teach students how our thinking is often constrained in ways we are unaware of by paradigms, that is, by the theoretical spectacles we use to view the world."

"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 interesting, fun and useful to apply statistical methods in academic disciplines spanning anthropology, biology, economics, political science and psychology. That is why I helped to develop the general education Stat 200 course. Lately I have developed a course called the Economics of Nonprofit Enterprises and a course on the history of financial panics in the United States."

"'What's it worth?' That question summarizes my research interests. The worth or value I'm interested in is not finding the price, but the value that people place on a good (or avoiding a bad). It's important to distinguish, too, the difference between a value in exchange and a value in use. My current investigation is on the value people place on reducing their risk of death from natural or man-made disasters. Within business and management topics, I'll be exploring the impacts of business regulation, and how non-profit and public sector work is valued."

After careers in commercial lending and distribution, John Spittell came to Knox shortly after the sale of his business interests, a regional beverage distributorship, United Distributors, Inc. where he was a co-owner.

During his career, Spittell found success as a commercial lender, but soon saw the challenge and excitement of running his own businesses. As an owner/manager, Spittell believes it's important to take a "holistic approach to management," by learning all he can about customers, key operations, and enabling employees to succeed. This managerial skill has served him well. Over his career he has successfully navigated several mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and partner buyouts.