Center for the Study of Free Enterprise
Dedicated to providing economics research and education to the students, faculty, and community of Western Carolina University. Our WorkFor Students
Scholarships, fellowships, post-baccalaureate opportunities, and educational lectures for students.
For Faculty
Information, tools, classroom materials, and lesson plans for educational professionals of all levels.
For the Community
Grants for individuals hoping to advance economic understanding through peer-reviewed research and public promotion.
Director’s Blog
Thoughts from our Founding Director, Dr. Edward Lopez, and invited contributors.
Dr. Edward Lopez on the impact of COVID-19 on WNC small businesses
Small businesses are bearing the brunt of the economic shut-down as a result of COVID-19. In a recent interview on WLOS News 13, Center for the Study of Free Enterprise Director Dr. Edward Lopez spoke about the conditions affecting small business owners. Recent...
What does a dip in positive cases mean for North Carolina?
Confirmed cases have plummeted in North Carolina in the past four days, down from a record high of 1,768 on 6/12 to well below trend at 751 today 6/16. Does this mean the actual threat of the disease is also plummeting? It could instead reflect that testing also...
Introducing CSFE COVID-19 Research Project
The COVID-19 pandemic is having profound consequences on the well-being of North Carolinians. Many of these consequences are difficult to anticipate and understand. Our team of researchers here at CSFE has been busy at work. As we move forward with our new CSFE...
COVID-19 and Empty College Seats: Interview with Sean Mulholland
Our Associate Director Sean Mulholland has a new study on the college enrollment effects of COVID-19. He spoke recently with Shannon Watkins of The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal about the new research paper, “COVID-19 Prevalence and Empty College Seats.”
Speaker Series
Free Enterprise Speaker Series | The Future of Jobs and the Minimum Wage
Free Enterprise Speaker Series |
Economists Panel Discussion on the Future of Jobs and the Minimum Wage
Opioid and Addiction Town Hall – Oct 3, 2019
This town hall seeks to foster tangible steps that will make significant and lasting contributions to the well-being of the people affected by addiction in the Western North Carolina Region.
Click here to watch the video on Facebook
Click here to watch the video on our website
An Out-of-this-World Chat with Charlie Duke
The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise, is excited to host An out-of-this-world chat with Charlie Duke: Apollo Astronaut, Christian Leader & Moonwalker on September 11, 2019.