Economics professor Rickman wins Walter Isard Award for Scholarly Achievement
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
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An Oklahoma State University professor holds the highest North American honor in regional economics.
Dr. Dan S. Rickman received the 2025 Walter Isard Award for Scholarly Achievement from the North American Regional Science Council (NARSC). Rickman is a Regents Professor of Economics and Oklahoma Gas and Electric Services Chair in Regional Economic Analysis in OSU’s Spears School of Business.
“I feel truly humbled and grateful to receive the award named after the founder of my field of study,” Rickman said. “The award brings me a sense of achievement and satisfaction, along with the feeling that I chose the right field of study to pursue knowledge and make my contribution to society.”
Established in 1994, the Walter Isard Award for Scholarly Achievement pays tribute to regional scientists who have made significant theoretical and methodological contributions to the regional science field throughout their careers.
The award’s namesake was known as the father of regional science, founder of the Regional Science Association and a leading scholar in the worldwide regional science community. Isard taught economics courses at Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University.
An OSU professor since 1996, Rickman has established himself as one of the foremost scholars in regional science. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, numerous book chapters, reports and policy studies.
“Dr. Rickman is an iconic member of OSU’s Department of Economics, and this award reflects the extraordinary impact of his scholarship on the field of regional economics and science,” said Dr. J.B. Kim, economics department head, professor and Tom and Edna Mae Carson Centennial Chair. “His recognition brings great distinction not only to his own career but also to our department, highlighting the strength and national visibility of our research community.”
Rickman’s work appears in the most prestigious regional science journals, including the Journal of Regional Science, Papers in Regional Science, Regional Science and Urban Economics, and Regional Studies.
He has also published in leading economics journals such as the American Economic Review, Review of Economics and Statistics, Journal of International Economics, and Journal of Business & Economics Statistics. Rickman’s scholarship has been cited over 8,000 times, underscoring the broad and lasting influence of his research across disciplines.
Beyond his research excellence, Rickman has been a pillar of service and leadership within the regional science community. He is a past president of both the NARSC and the Southern Regional Science Association (SRSA) and has been recognized as a fellow of both SRSA and the Regional Science Association International (RSAI). His distinguished service has been acknowledged through the David Boyce Award for Service to Regional Science, one of NARSC’s highest honors.
Through editorial leadership, Rickman has contributed substantially to the field, serving as editor of Growth and Change and the Review of Regional Studies. He is a member of numerous editorial boards.
Rickman works with Dr. Hongbo Wang in the Spears Business Center for Applied Economic Research, home to the state’s only large-scale econometric forecasting model at a public university. Their in-depth economic forecasts are a resource for the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Oklahoma State Board of Equalization and chambers of commerce across Oklahoma.
Rickman holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wyoming, where he also obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science and his master’s in public administration.
Visit the website to learn more about the Spears Business Department of Economics and meet the award-winning faculty.