VCU news

By Joan Tupponce

Adolph Brown, a faculty member in Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Business, will be jetting off to Singapore in November as a recently named Fulbright Specialist.

The prestigious honor, part of the State Department’s larger Fulbright exchange program that includes Fulbright Scholars, connects U.S. academics and professionals with institutions worldwide to share expertise, strengthen relationships, hone skills, gain international experience and learn about other cultures.

Brown, who teaches microeconomics and introduction to economics classes at VCU, will be at Singapore Management University for two to four weeks, where he will conduct research for an economic study on the sustainability of the higher education landscape.

“Singapore Management University is known for its economic and business expertise,” said Brown, adding that his multiyear program will allow him to explore multiple cities and universities. “I wanted to choose places for my exchange that I wanted to visit and see.”

Fulbright Specialists remain on the program roster for three years. During their tenure, they are matched with projects from more than 150 countries, and the projects can last from two to six weeks.

Originally from Virginia Beach and now working full time as a college program administrator at the Virginia Department of Corrections, Brown has always been interested in economics and the banking system.

“I like to look at buying habits and why people interact in certain ways. I think the social science of it all is cool,” he said.

Brown originally wanted to work at the Federal Reserve Bank but shifted gears to teach in higher education.

“That’s where I found my passion. I love meeting the students,” he said. “I love the diversity and different teaching concepts related to economics.”