Mary Rittenhouse Academic Lead / Associate Professor

• M.B.A.

I have a deep passion for teaching and educating persons young and old about being informed decision makers. Before joining the University of Nebraska, I served as Economic Education Specialist for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago where I assisted in the implementation of a nationally reowned financial education program called MoneySmart Week. I joined the NCTA faculty in 2015 as Chair of the Ag Business Division. Prior to this, I was a Senior Lecturer of Economics for the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

In my role as a Division Chair and Educator, I believe that students learn best in environments that allow for exploration and personal development. Students need to have practical application of theory to develop an understanding of why it is relevant to them. Learning is affective. It must have components of cognitive awareness and personal application of theory.

My research has included areas of macroeconomics theory and pedagogy including the efficiencies of today's labor force, U.S. Ag banking conditions since the 2007 financial crisis, and accessing the relevancy of ecomonic literacy of our college students.

My advice to students is: May you always have the courage to take a chance....On yourself.