Associate professor and chair of economics Brian Chezum became a professor because of the impact two of his undergraduate professors had on him.

“I hope to give a little of what I learned from them back to my students,” he says.  It’s apparent that he is: four economics majors who graduated last year have gone into Ph.D. programs.  “There are so many cool things that happen when you’re teaching, but this is one of the most rewarding,” he says.

Chezum received his undergraduate degree at Coe College in 1988.  He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in 1992, and before coming to St. Lawrence taught at Marshall University and Simpson College.  He has been teaching at St. Lawrence for 13 of the last 14 years.

What does he most enjoy about his work?  “It’s a package deal,” he says.  “There are a set of things I get to do.  I enjoy working with students, doing research and helping students with their own research.  There isn’t a single piece that is my favorite part because they all are.”

On top of teaching econometrics, intermediate microeconomics, and a senior seminar about the economics of organizations, Chezum is engaged in a variety of research topics.  “Currently, I’m working on a paper that attempts to value the residual loss associated with conflicts that arise in contracting,” he explains.

Outside of his teaching and research, Chezum is the announcer at women’s hockey games as well as football games.  He’s also the faculty mentor for the women’s soccer team.  He enjoys reading and has recently taken up golf, but says one of his most favorite things to do is spend time with his family, including his 21-month-old son.