Comparative and International Economics and Finance of Education at the University of Pittsburgh: The Legacy of Don Adams

• In Event: What a historical system can teach us about Comparative & International Education: The Pitt story

Proposal

This presentation highlights the contributions of Don Adams to the study of comparative and international economics and finance of education that evolved at the University of Pittsburgh, beginning with his arrival in 1969. It shows how these ideas were reflected in his studies of educational policy and international development (See Weidman, 2002). Most notable in this regard were his groundbreaking pieces incorporating economic ideas into development education (Adams, 1977) and educational planning (Adams, 1988). Don also introduced a course on economics of education that was cross-listed with the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and continues to be offered by Najeeb Shafiq and Maureen McClure.
Don influenced colleagues with whom he worked over the years to incorporate economic ideas into their work. In 1985-86, he chaired a committee charged with a major reorganization of the School of Education that resulted in bringing together faculty whose work focused on administration and management of education across the entire educational spectrum. This resulted in an infusion of comparative and international perspectives into domestic educational administrative and policy studies. This occurred most pervasively with respect to economics and finance of higher education, beginning with a 1993 education sector study in Mongolia on which Seth Spaulding, John Weidman, and Mark Bray were team members (Bray, et al., 1994; Weidman, 1995). Subsequently, international sections were included in ASHE Readers on higher education economics and finance edited by department faculty (Weidman, et al., 2015; Yeager, et al., 2001).
Even after moving to Emeritus status in 1995, Don continued working on educational policy and planning, always incorporating discussion of the limits economic perspectives imposed on international development. This led, in particular, to a focus on educational quality and continuing encouragement of colleagues (e.g., Lelei & Weidman, 2012). The presentation concludes with a reflection on current work at the University of Pittsburgh that follows his legacy.

Authors

• Aizat Nurshatayeva, University of Pittsburgh

• John C. Weidman, University of Pittsburgh