Voinovich professor elected executive director of the Mid-Continent Regional Science Association
October 18, 2019
Dr. Jason Jolley, professor of rural economic development at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, was elected Executive Director of the Mid-Continent Regional Science Association (MCRSA). Jolley served a four-year stint on the MCRSA Board of Directors from 2015-2019, before being elected Executive Director.
The election of Jolley coincided with the 50th anniversary of MCRSA.
“After long tenure as MCRSA Executive Director, its 50th anniversary seemed like the right time to turn over leadership to the next generation of scholars,” Dr. John Leatherman, outgoing executive director, said.
“Jason clearly possesses the organizational capacity and has demonstrated the willingness to continue to build the organization respecting its traditional foundation while trying new ways of connecting regional scientists,” he continued.
Dr. Bridget Guerrero, President of MCRSA and Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business, West Texas A&M University, led the search for the next executive director. “In looking at his qualifications, it was very clear to me that Jason Jolley has the experience, ambition and dedication to do the job,” she noted.
Jolley is looking forward to serving the organization that has played a key part in his career.
“I was excited to be selected Executive Director by the MCRSA Board of Directors. MCRSA has played an important role in my growth as a scholar and applied researcher, and it is an honor to give back to the association,” he said.
Regional science takes an interdisciplinary, analytical approach to problems in a given specific area. MCRSA members include consultants, university faculty and researchers, and public and private analysts, among others. They represent both the public and private sector and specialize in diverse social science disciplines: economics, planning, geography, business, sociology, and public administration, to name a few. Although most are based in the central United States, MCRSA members come from around the world.
“One of my goals is to expand our membership among young scholars while preserving our institutional memory and traditions,” Jolley said.
For additional information about the organization, visit the MCRSA website.