UL Lafayette Department of Economics and Finance

After 38 wonderful years here in the Moody College of Business, we celebrate Dr. Cary Heath as he begins his well-earned retirement!

In a chance meeting with Dr. Authement in the fall of '87, he was offered a position and a chance to bring his lovely bride, Lisa, back to her hometown, and are we ever so grateful. Throughout the years, he has worked with hundreds of students and faculty, building relationships, making lasting impacts, and helping shape the lives of so many professionals along the way. He served as the Economics/Finance Dept Head twice, chaired the College Curriculum and Tenure & Promotion, served on Athletics Committee for years, as well as IACUC, (the committee that oversees research at the New Iberia Research Center).

Thank you, Dr. Heath, for the years you poured into our college, university, and community. We hope you enjoy relaxing on the patio or golf course and making special memories with Mrs. Lisa in this next chapter!

Hope to see our grads there!!! We want to celebrate you. 🤟🎓

Spring 2026 MCOBA Graduates, check your email.

🥁🥁DRUM ROLL PLEASE🥁🥁
Let us introduce to you our Outstanding Graduate of ECON/FNAN Department…
👩‍🎓Ms. Ainsley Gauthier of the Economics Department.

Out of all the other department’s outstanding graduates, she was selected as the B.I. Moody College of Business Outstanding Graduate for Spring 2026.

This past week, Ainsley was the big winner at our Moody Research Showcase last Friday, winning the Faculty favorite poster, Best individual research presentation and best undergraduate research. She also completed an Advance Student Research Experience (ASRE) Pathways this spring.

We are so proud of Ainsley and all the other Spring Graduates who have risen to the challenges and exceeded all expectations. See you on the stage!!👩🏾‍🎓🧑‍🎓👨🏽‍🎓👨🏿‍🎓👩‍🎓Geaux UL!🤟

🌟🌟Student Spotlight🌟🌟
A huge congratulations goes to Brooklyn Pearson, Kyle Smith, and William Millican who completed an ASRE pathway this spring.

The Advance Student Research Experience (ASRE) Pathways expands research, skills, and hands-on experiences for undergraduate students. The ASRE Pathways (Distinction & Excellence) will increase the quality of students' knowledge and marketable skills in research, creativity, and scholarship.

Students can complete designated courses and co-curricular activities to earn the Advance attribute on their transcript. The research, skills, and experiences gained by Advance scholars will strengthen their resumes and competitiveness after completion. If you are interested in completing this pathway like these outstanding students, ask your advisor or the department how to get started.

Looking forward to getting back to Business.

Welcome back as we begin the Spring 26 semester.
Today (January 12) marks the return of faculty, and we want to thank the educators—past and present—whose dedication, mentorship, and expertise have helped shape Moody Business. 👏📚

🤏🗣UL ECONOMICS CLUB welcomed Justin Callais, Ph.D., the Chief Economist at Archbridge Institute and Former UL Economics Professor on Tuesday as the featured guest speaker. He discussed his research on "Social Mobility In The 50 States". It was a packed house full of engaging information. Thank you to all who came out.

Find Justin’s bio here!
https://www.justincallais.com/

Find more info on his research here!
https://www.archbridgeinstitute.org/social-mobility-in-the-50-states/

🤏🗣UL ECONOMICS CLUB invites you to attend Econ Club’s first speaker event for Fall 2025. All majors are invited.

📌TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH
📍MOODY RM 220 - 1PM

Justin Callais, Ph.D., the Chief Economist at Archbridge Institute and Former UL Economics Professor will be the guest speaker. There is limited seating so be sure to RSVP below. Pizza will be provided.

RSVP Here! (limited seating)
https://forms.office.com/r/NvV4c1thCE

Find Justin’s bio here!
https://www.justincallais.com/

Interested in Economics?
Join our GroupMe!
Contact [email protected] with any additional questions or concerns