Yellowstone Times

Wendy Stock, a professor of economics at Montana State University, has been honored with the American Economic Association’s Distinguished Economic Education Award. This national award is given annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to economics education through teaching, curriculum development, scholarship, and mentorship. Stock is only the third recipient of this award since its inception in 2022 and was recognized at the AEA's national conference in January.

Stock has been part of MSU's faculty since 2000 and served as department head from 2006 to 2016. She currently directs the university's Initiative for Regulation and Applied Economic Analysis (IRAEA), established in 2016 to study the effects of economic regulations and policies on society. The initiative aims to provide students with practical research opportunities.

“MSU encourages excellence in both teaching and research, and mentoring students in hands-on research improves teaching,” said Stock. “The IRAEA has incentivized important research and mentorship opportunities for me and for dozens of other MSU faculty. More importantly, IRAEA has provided life-changing opportunities to hundreds of MSU students."

Quinn Sanderson, an MSU alum who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2024, credited Stock’s mentorship as pivotal in his academic journey. “Nothing was more impactful to my personal and academic growth at MSU than my involvement with IRAEA,” he stated.

In addition to her research endeavors, Stock teaches undergraduate and graduate courses at MSU. Last semester, she offered a course open to the community that explored various aspects of economics related to the U.S. presidential election.

Eric Belasco, head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics at MSU, praised Stock's dedication: “Throughout her illustrious career, Wendy has consistently fulfilled the pillars of our land-grant mission by prioritizing outstanding education, the highest quality of research and unique community engagement activities.”

Stock's nomination for the award was supported by former students and colleagues who highlighted her mentorship skills and contributions to economics education. She also serves on several committees within the AEA and is an associate editor for the Journal of Economic Education.

At Montana State University, Stock has received multiple awards recognizing her excellence in teaching, research, and service. These include the university’s Excellence in Teaching and Advising Award in 2024, Spirit of Discovery Award in 2020, James and Mary Ross Provost’s Award for Excellence in 2010, and Betty Coffey Award in 2005.