SFA business students, faculty members attend O’Neil Center for Global Markets and Freedom 2016 Annual Conference

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University students and faculty members from the Rusche College of Business recently attended the O’Neil Center for Global Markets and Freedom 2016 Annual Conference: Capitalism — Curse or Cure?

Several internationally renowned speakers presented at the conference, including Matthew Ridley, author of “The Rational Optimist” and “The Evolution of Everything;” Sylvia Nasar, author of “A Beautiful Mind” and “Grand Pursuit;” W. Michael Cox, co-author of “The Myths of Rich and Poor;” Alex Epstein, author of “The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels;” Robert Gordon, author of “The Rise and Fall of American Growth;” and Marian Tupy, editor of HumanProgress.org.

Dr. Ryan Phelps, associate professor in SFA’s Department of Economics and Finance, attended the conference and said the speakers painted an optimistic outlook for mankind’s future.

“This event provided students with a positive look at the future and encouraged them with the knowledge that there is no end to potential discovery and innovation,” Phelps said. “Also, students were provided the opportunity to expand their networks and to make connections with experts in their fields. These connections could promote their educational and career goals.”

Marxism, cost and availability of nonrenewable resources, fossil fuels, industrial revolutions, innovation, and U.S. expansion and growth were among the topics discussed during the conference.

“Student experiences like this have been shown to improve learning and post-college outcomes,” Phelps said. “This type of experience also expands students’ horizons and introduces them to worlds beyond their own experiences.”

The Nelwyn Cordell Stephens Scholarship and the O’Neil Center funded student participation in this event.