Center for the Study of Free Enterprise

Free Enterprise Speaker Series | The Future of Jobs and the Minimum Wage
2020-02-24 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Forsyth 101, 101 Forsyth Building, Cullowhee, NC, 28723
Free Enterprise Speaker Series
Economists Panel Discussion on the Future of Jobs and the Minimum Wage
How are jobs changing in today’s global economy?
Will enough jobs be sustainably created for the next generations of workers?
Do well-intentioned policies like minimum wages help or harm workers?
Should laws be enacted preventing or slowing the pace of Artificial Intelligence replacing workers?
How might minimum wage laws be implemented differently in urban versus rural settings?
This panel discussion will cover these main topics, and more!
Experts representing WCU as well as visiting economics faculty will cover these important issues.
Panelists:
Edward J. Lopez is Professor of Economics, BB&T Distinguished Professor of Capitalism, and Director, Center for the Study of Free Enterprise at Western Carolina University, where he teaches classes in macroeconomics, applied business economics, and the moral foundations of capitalism.
Dr. Audrey Redford is Assistant Professor at Western Carolina University where she teaches Economics of Vice, Micro Principles and Introductory Macroeconomics. Her research focuses on illicit markets, prohibition, and applied entrepreneurship.
E. Frank Stephenson is a Henry Gund professor of economics at Berry College in Rome, Georgia where he is Department Chair of Accounting, Economics and Finance. His research interests include Public Policy and Sports Economics. Suring Spring 2020 he is a Visiting Scholar with WCU’s Center for the Study of Free Enterprise.
Gary Wagner is a professor of economics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is also the Acadiana Business Economist/Board of Regents Support Fund Endowed Chair in Economics. He previously worked for the Federal Reserve.

Scaled up Seminar *invitation only
2020-02-21 17:00 - 2020-02-22 19:00 | Biltmore Park Instructional Site, Asheville, Asheville
Scaled-Up Seminar gathers economics researchers within driving distance of WCU to economize on scheduling demands and accomplish more than a series of individual research seminars could. The goal is to leverage the concentration of scholars in the region to: 1) provide mutual feedback on current research projects; 2) gain exposure to each other’s research agendas thus sparking collaboration on future research projects; and 3) facilitate informal discussion leading to collaboration on research, teaching, and program building.

Science and Pseudoscience in Everyday Life: A Field Guide for Evaluating Extraordinary Claims
2020-02-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Blue Ridge Conference Center, 225 Brown Hall 1 University Drive, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, United States
General/public talk: Thursday evening talk Feb 6., 6:00-7:30 in Blue Ridge Conference room at WCU.
Science and Pseudoscience in Everyday Life: A Field Guide for Evaluating Extraordinary Claims
Description: The everyday world is a bewildering mixture of claims, some of them well-supported but many others – such as conspiracy theories and misinformation – poorly substantiated. In this talk, Dr. Lilienfeld will discuss the prevalence of pseudoscientific and otherwise questionable beliefs in contemporary life, and explore why all of us are susceptible to their seductive allure.
Sponsored by: Department of Psychology, Department of Political Science, Office of the Provost, Center for the Study of Free Enterprise
Psychology Departmental Research Colloquium: Friday, February 7, 12:00-1:00, Killian 107
Intellectual Humility: Implications for Political, Personality, and Clinical Psychology
Description: People differ in their awareness of their own cognitive biases and limitations. Until recently, however, psychologists have expressed little interest in individual differences in intellectual humility, which relates to the extent to which we are cognizant of our mental fallibility and biases. Dr. Lilienfeld will summarize the results of several preliminary studies from his lab on the correlates and implications of intellectual humility for decision-making, political leadership, and personality traits (e.g., narcissism, authoritarianism). Furthermore, he will discuss how a better understanding of this disposition might foster scientific thinking and diminish ideological polarization.

The Global Spotlight Series
2019-11-07 16:00 - 17:30 | Forsyth 101, 101 Forsyth Building, Cullowhee, NC, 28723
Global Spotlight Presents:
Nationalism
Presenting faculty include:
Dr. Edward Lopez
Dr. David Dorondo
Dr. Ingrid Bego
Dr. Saheed Aderinto

Why People Die by Suicide: Guest Speaker Dr. Joiner
2019-11-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Blue Ridge Conference Center, 225 Brown Hall 1 University Drive, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, United States
Dr. Thomas E. Joiner, Jr. is an American clinical and research psychologist at Florida State University and is one of the most prominent suicide experts in the world. His work is both theoretical and practical, in that the “Joiner framework” for suicide risk assessment is the most robust, evidence-based, and widespread system now in use. Dr. Joiner is from Atlanta, Georgia, completed his undergraduate education at Princeton, and then his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He joined the faculty of the Department of Psychology at Florida State University in 1997 where he is the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology and also serves as the Director of the FSU Psychology Clinic. Dr. Joiner lists well over 500 peer-reviewed publications, including empirical and theoretical articles in top-tier journals, books, and chapters. His work has now generated more than 56,000 citations in other peer-reviewed scientific publications. His single most-cited work, with more than 3,000 citations, is his book, Why People Die from Suicide, published by Harvard University Press.

One Book Author: Celeste Headlee
2019-10-28 18:00 - 19:30 | A.K. Hinds University Center Grand Room
Celeste Headlee, Author of We Need to Talk.
Author talk with facilitator, WCU economics professor Edward Lopez. Book signing & reception to follow talk.
Please visit us online to learn more about the 2019-20 One Book.

Opioid & Addiction Crisis Town Hall
2019-10-03 08:30 - 14:30 | A.K. Hinds University Center Grand Room
WCU’s Center for the Study of Free Enterprise (CSFE) is teaming up with Jackson County Community Foundation (JCCF) to organize an awareness campaign for September, 2019, capped off by a town hall event on October 3 on WCU’s main campus in Cullowhee, NC. located on the 3rd floor of the University Center.
Town Hall Event Agenda:
8:15 am Registration, Gather
8:30 Welcome & Introductions: WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown
8:45-9:30 Opening Keynote: U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
9:45-10:45 Panel Discussion 1: Al Kopak, WCU Criminology & Criminal Justice; Holly Jones, Community Partnerships and Outreach Coordinator at NC department of Justice; WCU alumnus Kevin Rumley, Veterans Treatment Coordinator.
11:00-12:00 Panel discussion 2: Beth Young, WCU Social Work; April Messer, WCU Nursing; Audrey Redford Economics.
12:15-1:00 Closing Keynote: NC Senator Jim Davis (R-NC)
1:00 pm Breakout Working Groups by Topic: Assessment, Treatment, Social Marketing, Public Policy
registration required, box lunch is provided

An Out-of-this-World Chat with Charlie Duke
2019-09-11 17:30 - 19:00 | Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center
Charles Duke official NASA portrait, September 21, 1971
The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise, is excited to host An out-of-this-world chat with Charlie Duke, Apollo Astronaut, Moonwalker & Community Leader. Charlies Moss “Charlie” Duke Jr. is an American former astronaut, retired U.S. Air Force officer and test pilot. As Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 16 in 1972, he became the tenth and youngest person to walk on the Moon.
The latest installment of the Free Enterprise Speaker Series, this one-night only event will take place in the Bardo Arts Center on Western Carolina University’s campus.
When:
September 11th, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Where:
Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Please visit speakers.wcu.edu/Duke to register.

University Distinguished Speaker Series presents Phil Drake
2019-04-24 17:30 - 19:00 | NC
Join us as we welcome Phil Drake to the University Distinguished Speaker Series on April 24, 2019.
Phil entered the accounting arena and began developing Tax Software in 1977. His company now has over 900 people employed either full-time or part-time in Macon, Clay and Haywood counties of NC, in Nashville TN, in Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. Those businesses include accounting, retail, software, dining, theater, golf, printing, internet service, family entertainment, construction, and fiber optics.
Drake Enterprises has teamed with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to build a fiber ring that connects the far western counties of North Carolina via a fiber backbone.
The software division of Drake serves over 55,000 tax preparers throughout the United States, and will electronically file 17 million federal tax returns and 14 million state returns this year.

Race Inequality: A discussion with Samuel Myers and Steve Ha on Race Neutrality
2019-04-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Forsyth 101, 101 Forsyth Building, Cullowhee, NC, 28723
On April 3, 2019, the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise at Western Carolina University will host Dr. Steve Ha from Western Carolina University and Dr. Samuel Myers from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities as part of the Free Enterprise Speaker Series.
“Race Inequality: A discussion with Samuel Myers and Steve Ha on Race Neutrality” will feature a discussion about Ha and Meyer’s new book, Race Neutrality, and the research that went into it. Their book addresses ongoing racial disparities, race-conscious policies that attempt to remedy them, and race-neutral alternatives that might “…hold great promise in reducing disparities.”
WCU’s Free Enterprise Speaker Series is a forum for the campus and community to explore all points of view on important issues of the day, hear from renowned experts from a variety of fields and understand multiple perspectives.
The event, which is set to start at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2019, in Forsyth Building Room 101, is free and open to the public.

Teaching Personal Finance in the Digital Age
2019-04-01 08:30 - 15:30 | Hyatt Place Asheville, 199 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Our second annual K12 teacher training workshop, this day-long professional development seminar is geared towards middle and high school social studies, and economics, and CTE teachers in North Carolina. The cost of the workshop is free and substitute teacher reimbursement is available.
For more information, and to register, please visit teachfinancenc.org

Jeff Percival of Percival Enterprises speaking on Success
2019-02-06 17:00 - 18:30 | Forsyth 101, 101 Forsyth Building, Cullowhee, NC, 28723
Western Carolina University’s Free Enterprise Speaker Series and Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda will host Mr. Jeff Percival of Percival Enterprises on Wednesday, February 6, at 5 p.m. in Forsyth Building Room 101.
The event is free and open to the public.
Jeff Percival has spent the last 33 years building, molding and creating a business that is a living entity. He left teaching to start a training and development company, “Percival & Associates”. After 7 years, he developed the Percival Enterprises’ User/Consultant Group, with over 25 experts in their field, from around the country. This User/Consultant Group acts as a Resource to his clients and prospects.
As an Assessment & Development Company, Jeff has also created his “Success Track Tools” Division within PercEnt %. These are proprietary tools which were designed to keep you “On Track & In Focus”. He uses these tools during training and speaking engagements.
Jeff is also an author. He has solely written 3 books: “8 Weeks to Successful Employment”, “Job Search Survival Kit”, “Your Combination for Success” and co-authored “Work Makes Me Sick! (Prescribe Something Quick!)” with Kathy Bornheimer. He just finished writing “Creating Artful Sales”.
WCU’s Free Enterprise Speaker Series is a forum for the campus and community to explore all points of view on important issues of the day, hear from renowned experts from a variety of fields and understand multiple perspectives.

Bus Stop Jobs: A Film Screening and Discussion about Poverty and Economic Mobility in North Carolina
2018-11-12 17:00 - 18:15 | A.K. Hinds University Center Theater, 1 University Way, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, United States
The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise is excited to present our third installment of the 2018-19 Free Enterprise Speaker Series, Bus Stop Jobs: A Film-screening and Discussion about Poverty and Economic Mobility in North Carolina On November 12, 2018 at 5 pm. The public event, which will take place in the A.K. Hinds University Theater, will feature Dr. Craig Richardson, Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for the Study of Economic Mobility at Winston-Salem State University.
The event will begin with a screening of “Bus Stop Jobs,” an 11-minute documentary that details the life of Brittany Marshall, a contract worker for Wells Fargo and single mother who lives in Winston-Salem, NC. An Interview and Q&A Session with Richardson and Dr. Edward Lopez will follow immediately after the screening.
“At issue,” says Center for the Study of Free Enterprise Director Dr. Edward Lopez, “…are the everyday difficulties faced by the least advantaged in our society. This conversation will include some of the best ways—which aren’t always the most traditional ways—to help the poor in both our rural and urban communities in WNC and beyond.”
“Marshall’s story strikingly illustrates some of the less obvious reasons why it is difficult for poor people…to improve their economic status,” writes Lisa O’Donnell of the Winston-Salem Journal.
The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required and students who attend will be eligible for a DegreePlus point.

About the Free Enterprise Speaker Series
Held three times per semester, WCU’s Free Enterprise Speaker Series gives WCU students direct access to leading thinkers on the importance of liberty and entrepreneurship to human flourishing. The Series is free and open to the public and is publicized through WCU and regional media.

Your Vote: Democracy in Decline
2018-10-25 17:00 - 18:15 | UC Theater, 1 University Way, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, United States
On October 25, 2018, the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise is excited to present our second installment of the 2018-19 Free Enterprise Speaker Series, Your Vote: Democracy in Decline. Presented by Professor Loren Lomasky, who considers himself a Churchillian democrat, this event will explore the undersides of voting and troubling developments in democratic societies around the globe, from Turkey to Poland, Hungary to the Philippines, and here at home too.

Is democracy in decline? Does your vote matter anymore? This event will present these questions and more, and with the 2018 midterm elections unfolding in the wake of a bitter Supreme Court nomination, it seems that more public attention than ever is focused on voting and democracy in America.

The event will be held at 5 pm in the A.K. Hinds University Center Theater on Western Carolina University’s campus.

The event is free and open to the public.

About Lomasky
Loren Lomasky is Cory Professor of Political Philosophy, Politics, and Law and the University of Virginia. Professor Lomasky is best known for his work in moral and political philosophy. His book Persons, Rights, and the Moral Community (Oxford University Press, 1987) established his reputation as a leading advocate of a rights-based approach to moral and social issues. He is also co-author of Democracy and Decision: The Pure Theory of Electoral Preference (Cambridge University Press, 1993), a landmark work about the effects of voting in democracies. In his 2016 article, “Fleecing the Young,” Lomasky makes the case for more intergenerational fairness in U.S. budget policies that currently enrich older generations while handing young people the bill. For more than four decades, Lomasky has taught undergraduate and graduate classes in the philosophy of religion, medieval philosophy and other episodes in the history of philosophy as well as many topics in moral and political philosophy. He has held research appointments sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Center for the Study of Public Choice, the Australian National University, and the Social Philosophy and Policy Center. He has been the recipient of many awards including the American Philosophical Association’s Matchette Prize for the best book in philosophy.

A Fireside Chat with Ken Langone
2018-10-22 17:00 - 19:00 | A.K. Hinds University Center Theater, 1 University Way, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, United States
On Monday, October 22 at 5 pm, Ken Langone, business icon, philanthropist, and co-founder of The Home Depot, will join Professor Edward Lopez, Director of the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise, for a Fireside Chat. Langone will discuss his experience in entrepreneurship, as well as stories and ideas from his new memoir, I Love Capitalism: An American Story.
“There’s one important point I want to make right at the beginning of this book,” Langone writes in his 2018 memoir, “The thing I can’t say and never will say is that I’m self-made.”
Growing up poor in WWII-era Roslyn Heights, New York, Ken Langone has gone onto major success as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and television commentator. His career in finance began as a salesman, matching business ideas with financiers. In 1974 he started his own investment firm, Invemed, and in 1979 Ken arranged financing for he and two business partners to co-found The Home Depot. By 1989 Home Depot was the nation’s largest home improvement store and today employs over 380,000 associates across 2,000 U.S. locations.
With his wife Elaine, both devout Roman Catholics, Ken has made major philanthropic donations to universities, medical schools, hospitals, and children groups including Ronald McDonald House, Robin Hood Foundation, Promise Academy, and more.
Sponsored by the Division of Academic Affairs and the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise, WCU’s Distinguished Speaker Series brings perspectives from leading figures in education, arts and music, politics, business and economics.
The event is free and open to the public.
Please register for this event at langone.wcu.edu.

For Your Own Good: Taxes, Paternalism, and Fiscal Discrimination in the Twenty-First Century
2018-10-10 11:30 - 13:00 | Biltmore Park Instructional Site, Asheville, Asheville
Motivated as much by a need to increase revenues as by desire to do good, politicians often claim that ‘sin taxes’ will fund projects that promote public health and curb unhealthy behavior. This panel will feature a discussion of topics from Adam Hoffer and Todd Nesbit’s book, For Your Own Good: Taxes, Paternalism, and Fiscal Discrimination in the Twenty-First Century. The book proposes that sin taxes often represent inefficient public policy and may lead to a host of ill effects and unintended consequences.
The Event is Free and Open to the Public. Lunch is included.
Registration Required. Visit wcucsfe.org to register

Loretta Lynch: Former U.S. Attorney General
2018-09-18 17:00 - 18:00 | Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center

Dr. Siri Terjesen: Social Entrepreneurship Without Borders
2018-09-10 17:00 - 18:30 | UC Theater, 1 University Way, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, United States
CSFE is excited to welcome Dr. Siri Terjersen on September 10th, 2018, as she presents “Social Entrepreneurship Without Borders.” The event, which is free and open to the public, is the first installment of the Fall 2018 Free Enterprise Speaker Series held at Western Carolina University.
During her presentation, Dr. Terjesen will review findings from the two largest studies of cross-country social entrepreneurship activity, which she co-directed. She will explore patterns of activities in more than 60 countries around the world with a special focus on the United States. Social entrepreneurs adopt a mission to create and sustain social value, and recognize and relentlessly pursue new opportunities to serve this mission. Through social entrepreneurship, those same individuals can help solve government failures and sustain market-based activities.
Dr. Terjersen is a Professor Dean’s Research Fellow in Entrepreneurship at American University’s Kogod School of Business and Director of the AU Center for Innovation (AUCI) as well as a Professor at the Norwegian School of Economics (Norges Handelshøyskole: NHH) in Bergen, Norway. Her extensive research on entrepreneurship, corporate governance, and strategy has been published in leading journals such as Academy of Management Review and the Journal of Management, and has been featured in leading media including Bloomberg, US News & World Report, the Times, Huffington Post, and CNBC.
Held three times per semester, WCU’s Free Enterprise Speaker Series offers a forum for the campus and community to explore all points of view on important issues of the day, hear from renowned experts from a variety of fields, and understand multiple perspectives through civil, informed, and fruitful discourse. It is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise.
For more information, contact csfe@wcu.edu
