Stephen Barrows

Stephen Barrows has extensive work experience in various roles. Stephen is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at the Acton Institute since January 2022. Prior to that, they worked as the Managing Director of Programs from July 2019 to January 2022 at the same organization. Stephen also held the position of Executive Vice President, Provost, and Dean of Faculty at Aquinas College from September 2016 to July 2019. Before this, they worked as an Associate Professor of Economics (Tenured Aug 2016) from August 2013 to September 2016 at the same college. Stephen has also worked as a Professor of Aerospace Studies and Commander at the University of Nebraska at Omaha from June 2011 to June 2013. Stephen Barrows has served in the United States Air Force Academy as Director of Economics from June 2009 to June 2011 and as Assistant Professor of Economics from June 2008 to June 2011. Stephen has also served in the United States Air Force in various roles such as Operations Officer and Chief, F-15 Avionics Sustainment Branch from July 2005 to June 2008, and as a Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager in different projects related to spacelift range modernization and automation. Stephen started their career as an Instructor of Economics at the United States Air Force Academy from May 1997 to July 1999. Prior to that, they worked in the United States Air Force in roles such as Test Manager and Project Manager.

Stephen Barrows completed their Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the United States Air Force Academy, from the year 1988 to 1992. Stephen then pursued their Master of Arts (MA) in Economics from Penn State University for the year 1992 to 1993. Later, they obtained their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics from Auburn University, spanning from 1999 to 2002.

In addition to their formal education, Stephen Barrows has also acquired several certifications. In November 2020, they completed the Acton Poverty Cure Summit from the Acton Institute. In October 2020, they completed the Financial Success for Nonprofits certification from Cornell University. Furthermore, in June 2020, they obtained the Acton Foundational Badge from the Acton Institute.