Steve DeLoach: 'Saving Billions: The Real Impact of Microfinance on World Poverty' – April 7

Elon University Distinguished Scholar Award Lecture

During the past two decades, microcredit has been hailed by the development community for its ability to lift millions out of the grip of extreme poverty. More recently, many have begun to question whether the attention paid and resources directed toward funding microcredit programs is misguided. DeLoach offers insights on the degree to which the scientific evidence supports the often lofty claims made by proponents of microfinance. Based on his own research, he also reveals new evidence that suggests the existence of an even more powerful tool already being utilized throughout the developing world to fight poverty.

In the nearly two decades DeLoach has been at Elon, he has had 20 papers published in peer-reviewed journals, earning the professor of economics in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business recognition in his field for his work.

In addition to peer-reviewed journals, DeLoach has published a book chapter and presented multiple times at top international economics conferences. His work has been cited more than 300 times. In 2009 he received the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Dean’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship, and in 2010 he was the Hollingsworth Visiting Scholar at Furman University.

DeLoach has mentored more than 50 undergraduate projects that resulted in presentations at national and regional conferences. He received doctoral and master’s degrees in economics from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska.

DeLoach is the 15th recipient of the Distinguished Scholar Award, which recognizes a faculty member whose research has earned peer commendation and respect, and who has made significant contributions to his or her field of study.