Fall 2026 Paul J. Thomas Public Lecture in Economics to examine capitalism’s new chapter

The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University will host the Fall 2026 Paul J. Thomas Public Lecture in Economics on Tuesday, Oct. 6, featuring economist Pavlina R. Tcherneva, president of the Levy Economics Institute and professor of economics at Bard College.

In addition to her leadership of the Levy Economics Institute, Tcherneva serves as director of the Economic Democracy Initiative at the Open Society University Network, an expert at the Institute for New Economic Thinking and a research associate at the Global Institute for Sustainable Prosperity.

Titled “Capitalism’s New Chapter — What This Generation Inherits and What It Can Change,” the lecture begins from the idea that every generation inherits an economy built by choices it didn’t make. Tcherneva will explore how capitalism has created enormous wealth but also instability, inequality and insecurity. The presentation will ask what capitalism promised, what it delivered, where it broke down and what this generation may want to pass on.

The lecture is hosted by Tomi Ovaska, professor of economics and the Paul J. Thomas Endowed Chair in Economics at YSU. Endowed chairs are faculty positions supported by dedicated funds that strengthen research, teaching, and community engagement across academic and business communities.

The Paul J. Thomas Chair in Economics is supported by an endowment established to honor Paul J. Thomas, a Niles, Ohio, native whose distinguished career spanned accounting, industry leadership, and military service. Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and pursued further studies at Boston University and Ohio State University. He began his career with Packer Thomas as a certified public accountant in 1939 before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant. After returning to the Mahoning Valley, he held executive leadership roles, including vice president positions at Superior Industries and Easco Corp.

The Paul J. Thomas Public Lecture Series is free and open to all students and the public; no tickets are required. The evening begins at 5 p.m. in the WCBA Weir Atrium with networking and hors d’oeuvres. The lecture and question-and-answer session will follow at 6 p.m. in the WCBA Auditorium. Free parking is available in the Wick Parking Deck.

For more information, contact Tomi Ovaska at tpovaska@ysu.edu.