Deborah Spencer

Deborah Spencer is an Associate Professor of Economics at Emory & Henry University. She joined the institution mid-career after relocating from SUNY Cortland. Her research focuses on inclusive economic institutions and global experiential learning, with expertise in globalization, gender pay equity, law and economics, and higher education funding. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Notre Dame and a B.S. from Radford University.

• Education:
• Ph.D. in Economics, University of Notre Dame
• M.A. in Economics, University of Notre Dame
• B.S. in Economics, Radford University

Dr. Spencer’s research interests include Financial Capability, Funding Higher Education, and Stakeholder Capitalism. She has conducted fieldwork in Nicaragua, Belize, Thailand, and Vietnam, collaborating with local organizations. Professionally, she has served as Department Chair of Economics at Emory & Henry, Founding Director of F$NCAP, and Board Member of the Peacework Development Fund for over two decades. She also held roles in banking and contributed to initiatives uniting academics and global communities.

Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as Principles of Macroeconomics, International Trade, and Economic Development. She is affiliated with the Lyric Theatre through its Finance Committee.