Spring 2026 Paul J. Thomas Public Lecture in Economics to explore urban growth and opportunity

The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University will host the Spring 2026 Paul J. Thomas Public Lecture in Economics on Wednesday, April 1, featuring distinguished economist and YSU alumnus Gary Wagner.

Wagner, a 1995 YSU graduate in economics and political science, currently serves as the Acadiana Business Economist/BORSF Eminent Scholar Chair at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. His research focuses on regional growth, local economic development and public policy. He previously served as a vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and is editor in chief of Public Finance Review. His career reflects the far-reaching impact YSU alumni can have in shaping national conversations on economic policy and regional development.

Titled “Reigniting Youngstown: Why Some Cities Thrive and Others Don’t,” the lecture will examine the long economic transition experienced by Youngstown, the Mahoning Valley and the industrial heartland. Drawing on recent research, Wagner will explore what helps cities and regions grow, what holds them back and why commonly used development strategies often deliver less than expected. The presentation aims to highlight evidence-based insights on regional growth and consider their implications for the future of northeast Ohio.

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 of Science degree from Yale University and pursued further studies at Boston University and Ohio State University. He began his career with Packer Thomas as a CPA 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 the public. The evening begins at 5 p.m. in the WCBA Weir Atrium with hors d’oeuvres and informal conversations with students and faculty. The lecture and Q&A session will follow at 6 p.m. in the WCBA Auditorium. Complimentary parking is available in the M30 Parking Deck on Wick Avenue.