Howard Cochran

Howard Cochran

Thomas W. Beasley Center for Free Enterprise Director, Thomas W. Beasley Professor of Free Enterprise, Professor of Economics & Finance

Jack C. Massey College of Business

Doctor of Arts (DA) in Economics, Middle Tennessee State University; Post-Doctorate Academic Qualification in Finance, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Harvard Graduate School of Education, Certificate in Administrative Leadership; Master of Arts (MA) in Economics, Wayne State University; Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance, Walsh College; College of Arts and Sciences Studies, University of Michigan - Flint

Location: Barbara Massey Hall 350A/ Jack C. Massey Center 550A

615-460-6477
howard.cochran@belmont.edu

Biography

Dr. Howard H. Cochran, Jr., is a Professor of Economics and Finance and holds the Thomas W. Beasley Professorship of Free Enterprise. He also serves as the Director of the Thomas W. Beasley Center for Free Enterprise. Dr. Cochran's academic journey includes studies at the University of Michigan (Flint), Walsh College, Wayne State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Harvard University and Virginia Tech. His teaching, research, and consulting interests span economic education, managerial economics, economic freedom, business finance and international trade. A veteran of international studies, he has traveled extensively across North and South America, Western and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Far East, Polynesia and the Indian Subcontinent

Dr. Cochran's professional achievements include consulting with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, on microlending best practices in Bangladesh. He is a sought-after advisor to firms aiming to source and sell products in China and has presented his scholarly work at numerous conferences worldwide and published in several academic journals. Dr. Cochran’s leadership extends beyond academia; he is a former director of the Nashville Rescue Mission and previously chaired the Tennessee Export Council, an appointment by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

  • D.A.  - Middle Tennessee State University
  • Harvard Graduate School of Education, Administrative Leadership
  • AACBS Bridge Program in Finance, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • M.A.  - Wayne State University, Economics
  • B.B.A.  - Walsh College,  Finance

  • Cochran, Jr. H. H., Childs, B.D., & Gonas, G.  (2025) LP Building Solutions Capital Budgeting Case.  Journal of Business Cases and Applications.
  • Cochran, Jr. H. H., Childs, B.D., & Velikova, M. V. (2024) Transforming Business Education: Unlocking the Power of Short-Term Experiential Learning Away and Abroad.  Experiential-Learning Leadership Institute Educational Journal.
  • Cochran, Jr. H.H., & Childs, B.D. (2023) Economic Freedom and the Fiscal Conditions of Cities in Tennessee.  Atlantic Economic Journal.
  • Cochran, Jr. H. H., Childs, B.D., Velikova, M.V., & Lakisa, S. Indexing of the JEE Online Section. (2019) Journal of Economic Education.
  • Cochran, Jr. H.H., Childs, B.D. (2017) State Merchandise Export Trade Determinants.  Atlantic Economic Journal.

  • Chaney Distinguished Professor Award Nominee (2009)
  • Presentation Excellence Award for Does China Underreport International Merchandise Trade Statistics?, Academic Business World International Conference (2009)
  • Best Paper Award, Academic Business World International Conference (2008)
  • Chaney Distinguished Professor Award Nominee (2008)
  • Presentation Excellence, Academy of Business Disciplines (2005)
  • Recognized for guidance and mentoring of students., Delta Phi Omega.
    Awards (1996)

Jack C. Massey College of Business

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