Institute for the Study of Political Economy

ISPE analyzes governance within the study of political economy, focusing on economic growth, health, freedom and liberty, and quality of life in the Midwest.

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

Qualified nurse practitioners can help address Indiana's rural healthcare shortages—but regulations stand in the way. Read ISPE @mitchISPE Director David Mitchell's op-ed on how policy choices affect access to care. 🔗 https://t.co/pCRjlW4Vz6… #Indiana #RuralHealth #ISPE

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

New from @mitchISPE ISPE Director David Mitchell in @thehill:
How do incentives and unintended consequences shape public health policy? This new op-ed examines drug paraphernalia laws via evidence and economics. #PublicPolicy #Economics #HealthPolicy

https://t.co/JLeqXkS4Tz

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

On Juneteenth, we reflect on the enduring value of freedom and the sacrifices made to secure it. We remember the long struggle for freedom, celebrate resilience, and renew our commitment to liberty, dignity, & equal opportunity for all. #Juneteenth #Freedom #Liberty #ISPE

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

How are we preparing students to thrive in an age of rapid technological change? Students in ISPE's programs are building the curiosity, adaptability, and critical thinking skills needed to navigate—and lead—amid disruption.
https://t.co/PKvuFZXvJr

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

You are invited to honor Dr. Cecil Bohanon’s monumental retirement after 45 years at Ball State University!
2-6 p.m., Sat., May 9 (Program at 3 p.m.)
BSUAlumni Center, 2800 W Bethel Ave
RSVP: https://t.co/yLmkYqur4T
(You can also use the link to leave a message for Dr. Bohanon.)

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

Director @mitchISPE and Menard Researchers Brailee Millard & Michael Moore preseented research at SOBIE today: Role of Economic Freedom in Shaping Corruption Perceptions, (Michael w/Dr. Todd Nesbit) & Impact of Naloxone Laws on Law Enforcement Safety, (Brailee w/Dr. Paul Niekamp.

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

We had a fantastic visit from Vernon & Candace Smith at BSU last week! After joining students for an informal lunch, Dr. Smith presented a talk to faculty and a public lecture (Theory of Society). Candace Smith coached students on etiquette at a reception and 4-course dinner.

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

If eggs are part of your Easter celebration, you might be interested to know that though prices may be higher, the "time cost" has decreased slightly. Thanks to ISPE's Buchanan Scholars for this research!

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

ISPE is excited to welcome Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith and Etiquette Expert Candace Smith to BSU on Thursday, April 2! More info: https://t.co/rGmPYonlS4

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

On St. Patrick's Day Eve, ISPE's Buchanan Scholars look at the time cost of a pint of Guinness! #timewellspent #BallState

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

Don't miss ISPE's next Menard Speaker: David Henderson will explain "How Economists Helped End the Draft." 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, in Whitinger Business Building 144. #ISPE #BallState #WeFly #MCOB

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

ISPE's Buchanan Scholars have been looking at typical Valentine's Day purchases in terms of dollars spent and hours worked. Does this a dozen roses cost more in 2026? And how about a steak dinner? #ballstate #millercollegeofbusiness #valentinesday

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

ISPE’s Buchanan Scholars have examined rising costs for the Big Game. Prices are only part of the story -- How many hours must fans work to enjoy the Big Game? Using BLS wage data (averaging non-farm, non-supervisory wages), we measure the cost in time. #SuperBowl2026 #superbowl

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

The 2026 Madam CJ Walker Colloquium speaker is Dr. Isabel Botero of University of Louisville. Dr. Botero will explore the choices next-generation women face in family businesses: joining the family firm, pursuing entrepreneurship, or building careers elsewhere.

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

Do higher taxes reduce cigarette use? ISPE Associate Director Todd Nesbit and Michael LaFaive (Mackinac Center for Public Policy) share their research on the effect of increased taxes on cigarette sales and smuggling:
https://t.co/fW07h9Cor0

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

📊 ISPE Fall 25: Menard Speakers • Reading Groups • Nobel Prize Panel • Student research & more. Thanks to students, faculty, and supporters. Onward to spring focused on the 250th anniversary of Wealth of Nations & Declaration of Independence. 📚 https://t.co/AO0Y8xAEMU

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

🚨 New research on NFL player safety finds the league’s Guardian Cap mandate may have backfired. Instead of reducing concussions, rates actually increased. Read the full study by Kerianne Lawson Rubenstein & Todd Nesbit: https://t.co/l1DfD9gyzh

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

🎓 Congrats to Dr. Daion Daniels — the youngest-ever PhD graduate from University of Arkansas @ua_edreform! ISPE Menard Fellow alum & BSU Econ ’22, Dr. Daniels is now Director of Research @EducateIN. So proud of you, Daion!

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

Dec. 5, marked the end of an era – the last lecture for esteemed BSU Economics Professor Dr. Cecil Bohanon, who is retiring. Dr. Bohanon joined BSU in 1980, and is a distinguished educator, researcher, and friend. We'll celebrate Cecil’s retirement at the Alumni Center on May 9.

[Institute for the Study of Political Economy @ISPEatBSU]

ISPE Buchanan Scholars Matthew Aker, Caleb Trinsoskey, & Sophia Worden (mentored by Dr. Nathanael Snow ) analyze a 1774 pamphlet by James Otis which argues the colonists must tax themselves — a reminder that political consent is the foundation of liberty. https://t.co/X1rrmUk6IT