August 2015 Commencement

UofM  Summer Commencement Aug. 8

July 21, 2015 - The University of Memphis held its summer Commencement Saturday, Aug. 8, at 10 a.m. at FedEx Forum. The University awarded 697 degrees, including 59 doctorates.

The featured speaker was Dr. Albert Okunade, UofM professor of economics and recipient of the 2015 Willard R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award.

Okunade conducts scientific research using economic theories, mathematical statistical methods and econometrics to explore issues in health care, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and labor. These include technology changes in medicine and healthcare cost containments; adolescent obesity and human capital investments across gender and ethnicities; obesity and early retirement; operational efficiencies in dentistry, hospitals and pharmacies; physician payment reforms; quality of care; prescription drug utilization and expenditures; and the determinants of mortality.

He has delivered research presentations globally at prestigious conferences, and his research has earned numerous citations in economics, finance, medicine and allied health. Since joining the University in 1987, Okunade has been honored with the Superior Performance in University Research Award, Alumni Association Distinguished Research Award in Social Sciences & Business, Suzanne Downs Palmer Professorship, First Horizon Professorship and Graduate Teaching & Research Mentoring Award. He has also received external awards from FedEx, the University of British Columbia and the American Society of Health Economists.
Okunade has received external funds for research from such organizations as the National Science Foundation. He has more than 100 research publications, including many in top-tier, peer-refereed general and specialized economics and allied discipline journals.