Harrison Campbell

Teaching and Research Interests

• Economic Geography
• Urban and Regional Development
• Applied Regional Analysis
• Sport and Urban Development
• Impact Assessment  & Program Evaluation
• Geographic Thought

Education

• Ph.D. Geography (1994), University of Illinois
• M.A. Geography (1987), University of Illinois
• B.A. Economics and Geography (1985), Clark University

Profile

My teaching and research activities address regional economic development, especially factors that affect the dynamics of growth, development policy, and the economic well-being of communities and regions. While I am interested in both patterns of regional development and the processes that produce them, my approach to teaching and research emphasizes empiricism and policy relevance. To that end, my research has focused on interregional patterns of spatial income distribution; the impact of urban form on segregation, spatial mismatch, business location, and metropolitan growth; the relationship of “unearned” income (transfer payments, interest, dividends, rent) to local employment; the impact of professional sports teams and facilities on metro areas; and industry clusters in regions undergoing rapid structural change. I also conduct economic impact assessments and program evaluations.

Many of these research activities also find their way into my classroom. I am a firm believer that students at all levels are best served when they can apply theory and concepts to real issues of development, planning and policy. Over the years, my students have conducted cost-benefit analyses of industry incentives; estimated the attendance impact of new sports facilities; and devised economic development strategies for local governments. I advocate blending theory, concepts, application and policy and encourage my students to do the same.