Hope College Economics & Business Department

Recently, our faculty gathered for a research workshop – an opportunity to share ongoing work, gather feedback and spur continued excellence in scholarship. Not only are our faculty invested teachers and mentors, but they also generate knowledge in their scholarly areas of expertise, applying it to a variety of topics ranging from the global economy to the everyday human experience, and often at the intersection with the Christian faith.

Learning from each other in an interdisciplinary setting – including student research collaborators and faculty in accounting, business and economics – is one core element of our academic community in the Department of Economics and Business, and a significant opportunity for our faculty to live out their callings as supportive colleagues, recognized thought leaders and faithful Christians.

This summer, Hailey Baker (‘27) is not only building knowledge and skills, she’s also helping to give back. As a Community Partnerships & Giving Intern at Meijer, she’s getting an inside look at one of West Michigan’s largest companies while witnessing the incredible impact they are making in the communities that they serve.

She’s working each day on a strategic project to strengthen food bank partnerships, ultimately supporting Meijer’s commitment to serving communities that face food insecurity. Through analyzing data, collaborating with internal and external partners, and building a playbook, she is helping to shape Meijer’s hunger relief efforts.

Hailey says the role is all about developing ideas and recommendations, improving engagement and ultimately making an impact. It has also allowed her to learn more about food banks and their critical mission to distribute food to those who need it most.

For Hailey, it’s an experience that has sparked a passion for Philanthropy and serving communities.

And speaking of community, she’s thankful for her community right here at Hope too. It’s how she first became connected to Meijer and an incredible mentor, Beth Snyder, who encouraged her to apply for the internship program.

“Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you,” Hailey says. “You never know how those relationships might shape the next step in your career.”

Thanks, Hailey, for inspiring us with a look into the incredible work you’re part of!

For Carter Goodyke, a junior with a double major in economics and business, curiosity is key. As a Global Trade Intern supporting supply chain at Amway this summer, he’s gaining a wide range of insights into the broader business world.

He’s using trade data and his understanding of tariff classifications and free trade agreements to bring value, but he’s also gaining an appreciation for how cross-functional teams can tackle even the most complex challenges.

Carter is grateful for how this rich experience is building a strong foundation for him in the supply chain field. While global trade wasn’t initially on his radar when he first came to college, he says that networking and building relationships can help one think about career paths that might have otherwise been missed.

“Building genuine connections with professionals can provide valuable insights, help you learn about different career paths, and open doors to opportunities you may not have otherwise discovered. Staying curious and being willing to explore roles outside your original plan can lead to valuable experiences and help shape your career interests,” he said.

Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your internship role, Carter! We are excited to see where this journey continues to take you!

In honor of our country's 250th year, we’re celebrating alumni, business leaders and innovators who are making a difference across America.

We’re starting with Hope College Alum Randy Cross, someone who says the journey is all about helping people thrive and grow. As a 1992 business graduate, Randy remembers his own growth during his years as a student at Hope.

Now serving as the President of Fish Window Cleaning Services, the largest window cleaning franchise in the country, Randy is quick to remember how his faith was formed right here at Hope. In the years since, it has been faith that guided his every step. That’s why, when God presented him with an opportunity to become a franchisee for Fish Window Cleaning after 10+ years in computer sales and purchasing, Randy followed.

Fish Window Cleaning, named after the Christian fish symbol, was a place where Randy could fully live into his beliefs and callings in many ways. After years of hard work building his own West Michigan franchise, Randy was called upon to head up the corporate operations in St. Louis in 2014.

Honoring God and family is a top priority for the firm, and providing a franchising model is one of the key ways that Fish Window Cleaning allows business owners to do just that. By coming alongside franchisees with long-proven systems and processes, Randy says the company is able to provide them with a platform for success and growth (without sacrificing the dream of business ownership).

It’s something that brings Randy joy in his work every day, and has even brought him to Washington D.C. many times in recent years. Serving as a board member of the International Franchise Association, Randy has testified before Congress and even met personally with Vice President JD Vance as he advocates for the power of franchising.

And whether he’s sharing his story in the Capitol, mentoring up-and-coming franchisees, or even leaning into the lives of current Hope students, Randy’s love for helping others grow and thrive is always at the forefront.

Come along for the day with Evan Morrison ('27), a business major spending his summer as a Marketing Strategy & Analytics Intern at Gordon Food Service!

This summer, Evan is learning how marketing and data analytics work together to support business decisions. His role directly supports the Limson Imports & Commodities team, helping to identify trends and expand digital presence.

Evan says he has enjoyed learning from experienced professionals, meeting new people and experiencing Gordon Food Service’s collaborative and welcoming culture. Even beyond the technical skills and knowledge, it’s the experience of building relationships, asking questions and adapting in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment that stands out to him.

His advice for other students pursuing a role like this one? Be open to learning and don’t be afraid to highlight experiences outside of the classroom. Having a mix of marketing experience (including in-class client projects he worked on at Hope!) – combined with prior work running his own business – equipped him with just the right balance of creativity and analytical thinking for this role.

So exciting to see your work, Evan!

Come along for a day with Emma Curtis ('27), a Business Major who is spending her summer as a Digital Marketing/Communications Intern at stryker!

In her role, Emma is turning research and data into recommendations while supporting projects in competitive digital strategy, digital campaign development, SEO, YouTube content and internal asset management. Emma says she is enjoying learning how to communicate complex medical device information in a clear and engaging way for healthcare professionals.

But even beyond this work, Emma is learning the importance of building relationships across a large organization in a way that ultimately brings impact. Because making a meaningful difference is what it's all about for her -- and Stryker's mission of making healthcare better is something Emma has always been eager to be a part of.

As a freshman, Emma visited Stryker with the Business Club, and as a result, always felt drawn to its mission, people and culture. She spent the next couple of years building marketing and communication skills through a series of internships as well as reaching out to alumni at Stryker to learn more about their path.

When it comes to advice for other students, Emma shares: "My biggest advice is to start building relationships early. Seek out internships that help you develop transferable skills no matter where you end up, and do not be afraid to reach out to alumni and professionals in industries that interest you to hear about their experiences and the work they are doing. Those conversations can give you valuable perspective while also building your network when the right opportunities do open up."

Keep up the great work, Emma!

It is with immense gratitude that we celebrate with Dr. Stephen Smith as he retires from Hope College Economics and Business after decades of academic and scholarly leadership.

As the Robert W. Haack Endowed Chair of Economics, Dr. Smith is a nationally renowned scholar and a leading voice in topics related to economic development, trade and the intersection of the Christian faith in economics. From 2021 to 2024, he served as the president of the Association of Christian Economists, having previously dedicated nearly two decades as co-editor of its journal, "Faith & Economics."

Joining our faculty in 2016, Dr. Smith has taught Economic Growth and Development, International Economics, Econometrics and introductory courses in Microeconomics. It is his unwavering commitment to teaching, undergraduate research and expanding students’ global perspective that truly stands out.

He served as the faculty section lead for economics and also directed the Global Studies major. He designed and co-led May Term courses in China, Japan, Vietnam and Hong Kong, offering students a glimpse into his own experiences growing up in Hong Kong. His leadership of undergraduate research helped students sharpen analytical skills and contribute to top-tier scholarship.

When reflecting on Stephen as a colleague, scholar and friend, Economics & Business Department Chair Stacy Jackson said: “Stephen has had an incredible lasting impact and we are grateful he chose to join us ten years ago. He models the excellence and service we all aspire to deliver…with genuine collegiality, strategic insight and a desire to live fully into the breadth and depth of our mission.”

Join us in congratulating Stephen and wishing him all the best as he embarks on this next chapter!

We recently wrapped up our 52nd year in London! We are so grateful for the rich experiences and memories that have been built in the City over the decades -- and the many students, faculty and alumni who have made this long-standing May Term truly unforgettable!

This year, Professor Marcus Fila and Professor Steve McMullen co-led a group of 16 students for this immersive experience.

We once again enjoyed visits to Wimbledon, Kensington Temple, The Houses of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster and Windsor Castle.

Walking and bus tours of the City are always a highlight, as are cultural experiences such as attending the Globe Theatre for its production of "A Midsummer’s Night Dream."

The meetings with professionals and leaders on the ground in London drove thoughtful discussion around culture, business, leadership and the Christian faith. A special thank you to all for sharing your time, wisdom and expertise with us.

In keeping with the London May Term's legacy, we are so grateful to see the incredible student growth as trip participants build community, expand global perspective and faithfully think about their own life and calling in new ways.

➡ If you’re a London May Term alum, we’d love to hear from you! What memory from your trip stands out?

Thank you to our spring semester marketing project clients!

Over the last few months, we have been thrilled to partner with Chick-fil-A Restaurants, Zeeland Christian School and Evergreen Commons.

📈 For our clients, these presentations bring data-driven insights, fresh ideas and a full team of student innovators ready to spur continued growth and opportunity.

💼 Our students gain valuable hands-on experience as well as exposure to employers and industries.

It's a process that wouldn't be possible without our clients -- thank you for your partnership!

Our faculty mentors, Professor Mark Rebhan and Professor Lauren Hearit, bring a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge to the process as well, fostering a learning opportunity that strengthens both student and client.

The perfect day for celebrating our Class of 2026 graduates! Congratulations! ✨⚓️