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Photo of Perry Ferrell with a desk he built

The Economics of Ergonomics

The Economics of Ergonomics

A Chambers College student can become anything. Like his father before him, Economics Ph.D. graduate Perry Ferrell became a carpenter.

A former Economics professor, Ferrell found himself growing tired of the sedentary lifestyle. Inspired to stand up and use his hands for something other than typing, he drew on a combination of what he’d learned from his father and what he’d taught himself to produce what he called the Pheral Desk.

“After completing the desk, I realized I had something scalable,” Ferrell wrote on his website. “I can't be the only person who wants a little class in their home office, right?"

That led Ferrell to start his own business, Pheral Designs, so he could bring custom furniture to consumers. With an emphasis on creating aesthetically-pleasing home offices, his signature products include standing desks and accompanying storage, as well as cabinetry and other custom furniture.

“The biggest benefit of my time in grad school was self-directed study,” Ferrell said. “There’s always a new skill to learn. I’m problem-solving every day, and the ability to teach myself, which the Economics Ph.D. program fostered, has been invaluable.”

In Service to the State

Brad Price, associate professor of management information systems, was named to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business' 2024 Class of Influential Leaders. This distinction honors “AACSB-accredited business school faculty demonstrating impact through their research.” The AACSB is the Chambers College’s accrediting body. 

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Inspiring the Next Generation

Each year, West Virginia Executive magazine publishes a “Young Guns” list recognizing young professionals in the business community who drive our Mountain State forward. We're proud to share that Tara St. Clair, program director of our Encova Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, made West Virginia Executive magazine's Young Guns Class of 2023! As one of 10 West Virginia professionals, St. Clair was honored to be chosen for this year’s class.

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The Hall

The West Virginia Business Hall of Fame posthumously honored coal industry billionaire and philanthropist Chris Cline and three other state business leaders who have led widespread growth.

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Dressing the Part

For some, getting a new job means splurging on a new wardrobe. For us here at the Chambers College, our new building came with a new closet – the Career Closet.

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Paul Speaker Appointed Fred T. Tattersall Distinguished Teaching Chair in Finance

Paul Speaker, professor in the Finance department, has been appointed as the Fred T. Tattersall Distinguished Teaching Chair in Finance for the Chambers College.

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