Saranna R. Thornton

Saranna R. Thornton serves as Professor of Economics and Business at Hampden-Sydney College, where she teaches in the Department of Economics and Business and maintains her office in Morton Hall, Room 219. Her academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to both economic theory and practical policy applications.

Her educational qualifications include:

• Ph.D. in Economics and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University (1989)
• M.P.A. from the University of Texas at Austin (1985)
• B.A. in Economics and Government (with Honors) from Colby College (1981)

Thornton's research focuses on critical intersections of economics and social policy, particularly labor economics with emphasis on gender equity in academic employment and NCAA athletics. Her scholarship examines pregnancy discrimination, maternity leave policies, and Title IX compliance regarding athletic opportunities. She also maintains expertise in monetary policy frameworks and macroeconomic theory, demonstrating remarkable interdisciplinary range.

Her publication record reveals a strategic evolution from monetary economics in the 1990s toward labor and gender economics in the 2000s, reflecting responsive scholarship to emerging policy challenges. This dual expertise positions her uniquely at the crossroads of economic theory and real-world social justice issues, particularly in higher education contexts.

Through committee service including the Gender Issues Committee, Athletics Committee, and Faculty Oversight Board of the Center for Leadership, Thornton actively shapes institutional policy while mentoring students as Freshman Advisor and Alumni College lecturer. Her leadership extends to operational roles in student development programs and professional development initiatives.

Complementing her academic work, Thornton dedicated nearly two decades to coaching HSC Rugby (1997-2000 and 2008-2016), demonstrating holistic commitment to student development through athletics. Her personal engagement with sports economics research likely informs this practical application of gender equity principles.