About the George Washington Forum

Our Mission

Civic Education, Civil Debate, Viewpoint Diversity

The Menard Family George Washington Forum explores philosophy, politics, history, and economics to understand how individuals, society, and institutions combine to foster human flourishing. It pursues its mission in at least three interconnected ways:

  • It inspires epistemic curiosity among Ohio University undergraduates through the study and debate of fundamental principles of a free society.
  • It encourages rigorous scholarship through themed conferences, public lectures, and publications.
  • It provides scholarship funding and study-away opportunities to Ohio University undergraduates interested in free societies and what makes them possible.

Founded in 2009, the Menard Family George Washington Forum has depended on the generous support of various individuals, organizations, and programs to enhance students’ education and facilitate public discourse. Thank you for your interest in the Forum, and we appreciate all who support our efforts.

Cort Rodet, PhD

Associate Professor of Economics

Director, The Menard Family George Washington Forum

GWF Staff

Portrait of Cort Rodet, Director

Cort Rodet, Director

Cort Rodet is an economist at Ohio University, where he teaches economics and statistics. He completed his Ph.D. at the Florida State University, specializing in experimental economics, behavioral economics, and political economy. Following his graduate studies, he was a Research Economist at the Economic Science Institute at Chapman University in Orange, CA. His research and teaching revolve around institutions and their impact on a well-functioning society, accountability within political and commercial institutions, psychological motivations of political engagement, and the economics of innovation and creativity.

Portrait of Ryan Flugum, Muck Family Chair in Finance

Ryan Flugum, Muck Family Chair in Finance

Ryan Flugum is an Assistant Professor of Finance at Ohio University’s College of Business. Dr. Flugum‘s research spans corporate finance, institutional investment, and the role of financial intermediaries in financial markets. His notable works include studies on stakeholder value, EDGAR search activity, and hedge fund activism. He has published in numerous leading academic journals and has been cited in various media outlets, including the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, the Journal of Corporate Finance, Financial Management, the American Finance Association (AFA), Harvard Business Review, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Faculty Associates

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