Economist · Dean · University Leader
University of Wyoming economist, educational entrepreneur, and university leader Scott Beaulier is focused on rethinking how higher education can better serve students, communities, and the public. As Dean of Business and Professor of Economics at the University of Wyoming, Scott brings together economics, leadership, innovation, and real-world problem solving to explore how universities can become stronger engines for opportunity, workforce development, and economic growth.
Known for making complex economic and educational issues accessible and relevant, Scott is a trusted voice on topics including the future of higher education, economic trends, leadership, innovation, and the evolving relationship between universities and the communities they serve. His work is grounded in the belief that education should do more than prepare students for careers. It should inspire ideas, strengthen communities, encourage entrepreneurship, and create lasting impact well beyond the classroom.
“Making academic degrees affordable and accessible does not mean sacrificing quality. It just requires responding to the modern marketplace and not being afraid to drop the status quo.”
Leading an AACSB-accredited business college at an R1 research university, with approximately 100 faculty and staff, 1,500 students, and a $20 million annual budget.
Growing and stabilizing undergraduate enrollment during a period of national and university-wide decline.
Securing external resources, cultivating major gift relationships, and expanding revenue through online MBA growth.
Building partnerships between the university and regional employers to align academic programs with workforce needs.
Legislative and trustee engagement, community outreach, and representing the college across Wyoming and the region.
Strategic plan development, faculty recruitment and retention, accreditation management, and program innovation.
Expanded online MBA enrollments to account for 20%+ of College of Business revenues, creating a sustainable new revenue stream.
Maintained stable and growing undergraduate enrollments during a period of significant university-wide enrollment decline.
Secured new external resources to support junior faculty retention and a nationally recognized guest speaker series.
Led the College of Business to historic successes in enrollment, fundraising, and community engagement across North Dakota.
Recruited seven Ph.D. economists and expanded program offerings to include a new major and Master of Arts in economics.
The Economics Department continues to rank among the top 20 nationally in environmental and experimental economics, with significant NSF and EPSCoR support.
Committed to delivering quality business education at scale without compromising access or affordability. A record of expanding programs and revenue while keeping costs manageable for students and families.
Bridging higher education and employer needs through curriculum reform, industry partnerships, and economic development initiatives that serve students and the communities around them.
Focused on institutional renewal through strategic planning, program development, online education expansion, and organizational change management within complex university systems.
A trained economist (Ph.D., George Mason) with published research and public commentary on economic freedom, labor markets, household finance, and education policy.
Scott Beaulier is the H.A. (Dave) True Family Dean of Business and Professor of Economics at the University of Wyoming. An economist, scholar, and university leader, he previously served as dean of North Dakota State University’s College of Business and held academic leadership positions at Arizona State University, Troy University, and Mercer University.
Beaulier has spent more than two decades in higher education, including a decade leading business schools. His work has focused on growing enrollment, strengthening academic programs, attracting philanthropic investment, and building institutions that better serve students and their communities. At the University of Wyoming, he leads a college serving approximately 1,500 students, with an annual budget of roughly $20 million.
An active scholar and public commentator, Beaulier writes about economics, institutional reform, academic freedom, and university leadership. His Substack publication The Arena , examines the ideas, incentives, and personalities shaping higher education and public life.
Scott welcomes inquiries from fellow academic leaders, search committees, conference organizers, and journalists covering higher education.