Association for University
Business and Economic Research

A national association of regional
economic research centers

Committees

Committee assignments effective November 2025 – October 2026.

Artifical Intelligence (ad-hoc)

Purpose to be defined.

  • Marc Schaffer (Breakthrough) ♦
  • Michael Hicks (Ball State University)
  • Sarah Quintanar (University of North Texas)

Awards: Commendations

The Commendations Committee reviews the criteria for individual honors, including the R. Thayne Robson Award, the AUBER Fellow Award, and Honorary member status. The committee invites nominations of active members and selects recipients for consideration by the Board.

Committee members include the Secretary-Treasurer (chair), current President, and the three immediate Past Presidents.

  • Michael Hicks (Ball State University) ♦
  • Vanessa Fry (Boise State University)
  • Jennifer Green (Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama)
  • Brian Lewandowski (University of Colorado Boulder)
  • Juliette Tennert (University of Utah)

Awards: Publications

The Publication Awards Committee reviews the criteria for the annual Publication Awards of Excellence, invites submissions from AUBER institutions, and selects the winning submissions. Research communicators are encouraged to participate.

Committee members include the Past President (chair), one board member, and the two most recent winners in each category.

  • Jennifer Green (Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama) ♦
  • Jenny H. Liu (Portland State University)
  • Electronic Publications Award Winners:
    • 2025:  Phil Dean (University of Utah)
    • 2024:  Amir B. Ferreira Neto (Florida Gulf Coast University)
  • Print Publications Award Winners:
    • 2025:  Jennifer Pullen (University of Arizona)
    • 2023:  Murat Arik (Middle Tennessee State University)
  • Websites Award Winners:
    • 2025:  Phil Dean (University of Utah)
    • 2024:  Donald J. Bruce (University of Tennessee Knoxville)

Conference Planning: 2026 - Boston MA

The Conference Planning Committee organizes the program and event logistics of the annual fall conference.

Committee members include the President-Elect (chair), representatives from the host institution, the Secretary-Treasurer, and others selected by the President-Elect.

  • Rod Motamedi (University of Massachusetts Amherst) ♦
  • Vanessa Fry (Boise State University)
  • Nicole Gislason (University of West Florida)
  • Lisa Goodpaster (Ball State University)
  • Jennifer Green (Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama)
  • Monica Haynes (University of Minnesota Duluth)
  • Michael Hicks (Ball State University)
  • Benjamin McKay (Georgia Southern University)
  • Victoria Meldrum (Ball State University)
  • Sarah Quintanar (University of North Texas)
  • Andrew Woods (University of Nevada Las Vegas)

Conference Planning: 2027 - Las Vegas NV

The Conference Planning Committee organizes the program and event logistics of the annual fall conference.

Committee members include the President-Elect (chair), representatives from the host institution, the Secretary-Treasurer, and others selected by the President-Elect.

  • Nicole Gislason (University of West Florida) ♦
  • Vanessa Fry (Boise State University)
  • Lisa Goodpaster (Ball State University)
  • Michael Hicks (Ball State University)
  • Victoria Meldrum (Ball State University)
  • Rod Motamedi (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
  • Andrew Woods (University of Nevada Las Vegas)

Constitution & Bylaws

The Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall (1) review the official documents; (2) receive suggestions for changes from members, officers, and committees; and (3) make appropriate recommendations to the board.

Committee members are appointed by the President.

  • Rod Motamedi (University of Massachusetts Amherst) ♦
  • Mitchel Herian (University of Nebraska Lincoln)
  • Raymond Sfeir (Chapman University)

Engagement

The Engagement Committee focuses on developing opportunities for the AUBER membership to participate in an exchange of ideas, knowledge, and support throughout the year. Activities may include webinars, forums, workshops, etc.

Committee members are selected from the board and/or membership.

  • Benjamin McKay (Georgia Southern University) ♦
  • Mitchel Herian (University of Nebraska Lincoln)
  • Victoria Meldrum (Ball State University)
  • Christian Raschke (Sam Houston State University)

Investments

The Investments Committee uses best practices to oversee AUBER’s financial accounts and makes recommendations to ensure the long-term financial stability of the organization.

Committee members include the Secretary-Treasurer and others selected by the President.

  • Rajeev Dhawan (Georgia State University)
  • Richard Hawkins (University of West Florida)
  • Michael Hicks (Ball State University)

Membership

The Membership Committee focuses on the growth and sustainability of the AUBER membership. Activities include (1) connecting with, reviewing, and recommending prospective members; (2) reconnecting with inactive and former members; and (3) producing an analysis of membership characteristics, interests, and needs via the annual membership survey.

Committee members include the Vice President (chair), the Secretary-Treasurer, and appointed board members.

  • Nicole Gislason (University of West Florida) ♦
  • Lisa Goodpaster (Ball State University)
  • Monica Haynes (University of Minnesota Duluth)
  • Brian Lewandowski (University of Colorado Boulder)
  • Amir B. Ferreira Neto (Florida Gulf Coast University)
  • Sarah Quintanar (University of North Texas)
  • Christian Raschke (Sam Houston State University)
  • Manuel Reyes-Loya (University of Texas Tyler)

Nominating

The Nominating Committee prepares a slate of nominees to be voted upon by the membership to serve as officers or members of the AUBER Board.

Committee members include the President (chair) and executive officers.

  • Vanessa Fry (Boise State University) ♦
  • Nicole Gislason (University of West Florida)
  • Jennifer Green (Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama)
  • Michael Hicks (Ball State University)
  • Brian Lewandowski (University of Colorado Boulder)
  • Rod Motamedi (University of Massachusetts Amherst)

Peer Review

The Peer Review Committee facilitates the academic peer-review service for all AUBER members.

Committee members are selected from the board and/or membership.

  • John Deskins (West Virginia University) ♦
  • Michael Hicks (Ball State University)
  • Sarah Quintanar (University of North Texas)

Societal Impact (ad-hoc)

The Societal Impact Committee identifies opportunities to align with complementary organizations, such as AACSB, through its societal goals. Recommendations may include new initiatives or revised strategies that enhance AUBER’s mission and vision.

Committee members are selected from the board and/or membership.

  • Michael Hicks (Ball State University) ♦
  • Vanessa Fry (Boise State University)
  • Jennifer Green (Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama)
  • Mitchel Herian (University of Nebraska Lincoln)
  • Brian Lewandowski (University of Colorado Boulder)
  • Manuel Reyes-Loya (University of Texas Tyler)
♦ denotes committee chair
View the Board & Executive Officers