Jeffery L. Degner

Jeffery L. Degner is the Dean of the School of Business & Innovation and an Associate Professor of Economics at Cornerstone University. He holds a Ph.D. in Economic Science from Université d'Angers, France, and degrees from Western Michigan University. His research focuses on monetary policy’s cultural impact, healthcare economics, inflation’s effects on family structures, government interventionism, and biblical perspectives on poverty. He has presented at institutions like the Mises Institute, University of Paris-Sorbonne, and Mackenzie University in Brazil. Degner previously worked in retail and taught high school while serving as an adjunct faculty member before joining Cornerstone full-time in 2018. He combines academic rigor with a passion for integrating faith and learning.

• Education:
• Ph.D., Economic Science, Université d'Angers, France
• M.A., Applied Economics, Western Michigan University
• B.A., Dual Major in History for Secondary Education and Economics, Western Michigan University

Research Interests: Degner’s work bridges economic theory with cultural and ethical analysis. He examines how inflation shapes family behaviors, critiques government overreach in markets, and explores biblical frameworks for economic justice. His dissertation, noted for its econometric rigor, analyzed 'The Family in the Inflation Culture.'

Publications & Presentations: His work appears in the Quarterly Journal of Austrian Economics and Mises Brazil’s interdisciplinary journal. He has presented at global conferences, including the Austrian Economics Research Conference (2019) and the Sorbonne’s Austrian Economics Workshop (2019).

• Awards:
• Top Prize at Austrian Economics Research Conference (2022)

Leadership & Teaching: As dean, Degner oversees the School of Business & Innovation while maintaining an active teaching role. He emphasizes integrating Christ-centered values into academic excellence, stating, 'Christian higher education provides students the opportunity to love the Lord with their mind.'