In the Media
Orange Town News: Economist Kench Named to Orange Chamber Board
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, was elected to the Orange Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Brian Kench, Ph.D.
Pompea College of Business
Education
Ph.D., Economics, University of Connecticut, 2000
M.A., Economics, University of Connecticut, 1997
B.A., Economics, Framingham State University, 1994
About Brian
Brian T. Kench, Dean of the Pompea College of Business at the University of New Haven, is an expert in behavioral and experimental economics and the economics of organization. He is a consultant in the areas of unemployment, economic damages and economic impact analysis, and he is frequently asked for his commentary.
As a higher education leader, Kench has spent the past 20 years helping universities excel by focusing on the talent acquisition, cost efficiencies, and development needs of students, faculty and organizations. Working closely with faculty and staff he has led increases in enrollments, rankings, retention, student placement and satisfaction, faculty recruiting, alumni engagement, corporate partnering, fundraising, new curriculum design, and the development and launch of online degree programs.
See MoreAs Dean of the University of New Haven’s AACSB‐accredited Pompea College of Business, he has led the effort to become a leader in developing STEM-certified business programs. The Pompea College of Business offers six STEM-certified business programs: B.S. Business Analytics, MBA, M.S. Accounting, M.S. Business Analytics, M.S. Finance & Financial Analytics, and M.S. Sport Management.
Under Dean Kench’s leadership, the Pompea College of Business established the first AACSB accredited esports management concentration in the U.S., co-developed an interdisciplinary B.S. esports and Gaming program with concentrations in corruption and gambling, game studies, and esports performance and health, and the first online, AACSB accredited M.S. in esports Business program in the world. These programs are supported by an esports training and competition center and a varsity esports team, both established in 2020.
Working with the Dean and faculty of the Henry C. Lee College for Criminal Justice and Forensic Science, Kench leveraged the University of New Haven’s well-known AACSB accredited Business Management program and its internationally raked Criminal Justice program to create a nationally unique B.S. Business Management program with a concentration in Criminal Justice.
Dean Kench also co‐developed the University’s cross‐disciplinary Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program, a collaboration between the College of Business and the Tagliatela College of Engineering. Students from each of the University’s academic colleges and schools take courses that include Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship, Fundamentals of Design Thinking, Design and Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Business Planning and Modeling.
Prior to coming to the University of New Haven, Dr. Kench was chair and professor of economics at the Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa, where he was the 2009 and 2012 recipient of the university’s Teaching Excellence Award and he received the College of Business’s Researcher of the Year Award in 2008.
He has served as a visiting professor of economics at the University of New Hampshire, an adjunct faculty of economics at Bentley University, and an instructor of economics at the University of Connecticut.
He received his B.A. in economics from Framingham State University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in economics from the University of Connecticut.
Experience
University of New Haven , AACSB International and NEASC accredited, West Haven, CT 06516
2015-date, Dean and Professor of Economics, Pompea College of Business (tenured)
The University of Tampa , AACSB International and SACS accredited, Tampa, FL 33606
2014-2015, Professor of Economics (tenured)
2008-2013, Associate Professor of Economics (tenured)
2002-2007, Assistant Professor of Economics
The University of New Hampshire , 2000-2002, Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, AACSB International accredited, Durham, NH 03824-3593
Bentley University , Spring 2000, Adjunct Faculty of Economics, Department of Economics, AACSB International accredited, Waltham, MA 02452
The University of Connecticut , 1997-2000, Instructor of Economics, Department of Economics, Storrs, CT 06269-1063
Peer Reviewed Academic Journals
"Using Peer Effects to Explain Retention Rates in a Private University" (with J. Stinespring and K. Borja), Higher Education Quarterly, 2020, 74(3): 334-346.
"Basic Economics of the Export-Import Bank" (with Robert Beekman), Mercatus on Policy, 2015.
"The Moral Hazard of Mandatory Membership in Private Clubs" (with L. Hoke and C. Skipton), Research in Business and Economics Journal, 2013, vol. 8. (Acceptance rate: 20%, Source: Cabell Publishing.)
"Dynamic Transaction Costs and Firm Boundaries in the Soft Drink Industry" (with H.S. Wallace and T. Knox), Journal of Economics and Economics Education Research, 2012, 13(1): 33-51. (Acceptance rate: 21-30%, Source: Cabell Publishing.)
"Of Altruists & Thieves" (with N. Niman), Eastern Economic Journal, 2010, 36(3): 317-343. (Acceptance rate: 25-35%, Source: Cabell Publishing.)
"The Influence of Psychological Type and Interpersonal Needs in Social Dilemmas: A Public Goods Experiment with Punishment" (with R. Beekman, N. Niman, and G. Wynn), Journal of Psychological Type, 2010, 70 (January): pp. 1-17.
"From Crunch to Crisis in the Interbank Lending Market" (with J. Stinespring), Journal of Financial Transformation, (2009), 27, pp. 63-68. (Acceptance rate: 6-10%, Source: Cabell Publishing.)
"Innovation, Capabilities, and Organizational Economics: Lessons from the Business Strategy Literature," (with Trevor Knox & H. Scott Wallace), Journal of Business Disciplines, (2006), VII (1): 45-58. (Acceptance rate: 11-20%, Source: Cabell Publishing.)
"Let's Get Physical! Or Financial? A Study of Electricity Transmission Rights," Journal of Regulatory Economics, (2004), 25(2): 187-213. (Acceptance rate: 21-30%, Source: Cabell Publishing.)
Professional Memberships
AACSB International, American Economic Association, Academy of Business Economics, Southern Economic Association, Economic Science Association, Omicron Delta Epsilon, Delta Sigma Pi, Beta Gamma Sigma
Grants, Awards and Distinctions
Awarded the 2012 Teaching Excellence Award by the John H. Sykes Pompea College of Business at The University of Tampa for Excellence in Teaching.
Awarded the 2011 Distinguished Paper Award by Academy of Business Economics. Paper title: "The Economics of Vertical Integration Revisited."
Awarded sabbatical for the fall of 2009. Project title: Economics for the Global Economy.
Awarded the 2009 Teaching Excellence Award by the John H. Sykes Pompea College of Business at The University of Tampa for Excellence in Teaching.
Awarded the 2008 Researcher of the Year Award by the John H. Sykes Pompea College of Business at The University of Tampa for Excellence in Scholarship.
Awarded the David Delo Research Professor Grant (2003, and 2005-2008).
Awarded the University of Tampa Dana Faculty Development Grant (2003-2009, 2011-2012).
Awarded the 2006 Distinguished Paper Award by Academy of Business Economics. Paper title: "Strong Altruism: An Element in the Emergence of Public Institutions." Updated paper title: "Strong Altruism & Moral Sentiments: Toward a Greater Understanding of Group Behavior."
Awarded John H. Sykes Pompea College of Business Mini Sabbatical (spring 2007 and fall 2005).
Awarded research support from the National Grid Company (2002).
Awarded the University of Connecticut's Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (2000).
Awarded the University of Connecticut's Research Foundation Grant (2000).
Awarded the University of Connecticut's Institute for Teaching & Learning Large Grant (January, 1999, with Dennis Heffley).
Honorable mention recipient of W. Harrison Carter Award for excellence in teaching (1998).
In the Media
In the Media
Hartford Business Journal: Univ. of New Haven biz school dean Kench joins chamber board
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, was elected to the Orange Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
In the Media
EIN News: Sachem Financial and University of New Haven Collaborate to Power New Business Sustainability Program
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on a new educational program the university created with Sachem Financial to support, at no charge, small and medium-sized businesses that attained either the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) or Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans.
In the Media
1945: Joe Biden Is Running A $1 Trillion Deficit And No One Cares
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, was referenced from his 2020 interview with Forbes on the “two reasons large debt can be concerning: It can hinder private markets, and it can contribute to inflation.”
In the Media
Hartford Courant: From gasoline to groceries, Connecticut consumers buying less to avoid soaring inflation
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, says the rising energy cost pushes up the price for other goods and services. “Inflation is real. It’s sustained. It could be self-reinforcing.”
In the Media
Newsweek: Fourth Stimulus Check Gains Momentum, Democrats to Push Biden for Recurring Payments
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, was quoted from his interview with Newsweek in August about automatic stabilizers for the economy.
In the Media
The Hill: Does US higher education need fundamental reforms to survive and thrive?
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, co-wrote an op-ed on rethinking the economics of higher education.
In the Media
The Hill: Is there an economic case for saving regional public universities and mid-tier private colleges?
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, co-wrote an op-ed on the need for a federal government stimulus for regional public universities and mid-tier private colleges amid the pandemic.
In the Media
Forbes: How To Cope If The Covid-19 Pandemic Has Stretched Your Finances To The Limit
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments that certain industries are not recovering as quickly from the pandemic.
In the Media
Forbes: Should You Worry About The Record $3 Trillion Federal Deficit?
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on the two reasons the deficit is concerning.
In the Media
Inman News Online: September rent is due. How will renters and landlords deal?
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on the economic impact of loss of jobs and homes.
In the Media
Newsweek: Here's Why Democrats Have An Edge Over Republicans in Stimulus Negotiations
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on the economy looking like a W-shaped recovery.
In the Media
New Haven Register: Dan Haar: Recession, of course, but what does that mean for us?
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on the time it will take Connecticut to recover from the loss of 300,000 jobs.
In the Media
The Hill: Exploding public debt: A cause for concern?
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, co-wrote an op-ed regarding the rising public debt levels.
In the Media
The Washington Times: 'Grounds for optimism': Stocks surge as orders ease, reopening revs up
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on consumer confidence increasing.
In the Media
Hartford Courant: A decade of employment growth in Connecticut was erased in April as businesses shut by the coronavirus slashed hundreds of thousands of jobs
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on the opening of small businesses.
In the Media
Washington Post: Millions of people lost their jobs in hard-hit New England. Many fear their homes could be next.
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on the high unemployment rates throughout New England.
In the Media
NBC Connecticut: Road to Economic Recovery Could Be Long
Brian Kench, dean of the College of Business, discusses the economic recovery for the state and the country.
In the Media
Washington Times: Will inflation Cassandras be proven wrong once again?
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, wrote an op-ed about the short and long-term impact on the economy from the pandemic.
In the Media
Los Angeles Times: About half of all small businesses in danger of failing during pandemic, survey finds
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, discusses the solvency of small business as the pandemic continues.
In the Media
ABC News Radio: Covid-19: What You Need to Know
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on the economic impact for jobs and businesses.
In the Media
Washington Post: 3 million Americans filed jobless claims last week, pushing eight-week total to 36.5 million
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments with other economists and labor experts on jobs going from temporary furlough to permanent layoffs.
In the Media
Washington Times: Washington Times: Economists predict 42% of furloughs to be job losses; bankruptcies of retail chains to spike
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on the types of businesses that have been severely impacted by the pandemic.
In the Media
Washington Times: Labor force participation rate lowest in five decades
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on the labor force and unemployment rates.
In the Media
Connecticut Post: CT public sector workers have some job security during pandemic — for now
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments about local municipalities and their revenue.
In the Media
Tech Transfer Central: U New Haven breaks new ground with e-sports industry partnership
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on how the University of New Haven’s President Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D., began the partnership with HyperX and developed a new academic program spearheaded by Jason Chung, assistant professor of esports management.
In the Media
WFSB Channel 3: Many find stimulus money in bank accounts Wednesday morning
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on how the stimulus checks being distributed help with basic needs.
In the Media
WTNH Channel 8: I have no money, no food and I am trapped’: Families under pressure from pandemic as federal funds, unemployment checks delayed
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on the stimulus checks helping to bridge some families while they are waiting for their unemployment checks.
In the Media
Fox61: Connecticut's unemployed remain frustrated with Department of Labor
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, talks about the number of unemployment claims that continue to rise.
In the Media
U2B.com: A collaboration that prepares students to excel in the esports industry
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business and Jason Chung, assistant professor of sports management and director of esports, discuss the partnership with HyperX.
In the Media
SVG: University of New Haven Esports Academic Program, Team Get Lift From HyperX
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business and Jason Chung, assistant professor of sports management and director of esports, discuss the partnership with HyperX.
In the Media
Poets & Quants: MIT Sloan Designates 3 MBA Programs As STEM
Brian Kench, Ph.D., dean of the Pompea College of Business, comments on the University of New Haven having one of the first MBA programs in the country to be entirely STEM.
In the Media
Poets & Quants: STEM MBA Programs At U.S. B-Schools
Brian T. Kench, noted economist and dean of the Pompea College of Business, discusses the new STEM certified undergraduate and graduate business programs, including a "one of a kind" MS in sports management with a concentration in business analytics.
In the Media
The Wall Street Journal: A New Push for Real-World Lessons at Business Schools
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, talks about the Pompea College of Business earning accreditation under new Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) standards.