Scott L. Probasco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise Claudia Kramer came to UTC in 2020
photo by Angela Foster/UTC
Dr. Claudia Kramer, the Scott L. Probasco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, is making economics an accessible and engaging part of everyday life. From leading the Phillips Scholarship in Free Enterprise program to hosting events with local and global thought leaders, Dr. Kramer’s work demonstrates the real-world relevance of economics.
Established in 1977, the Probasco Chair is one of the largest endowed chairs of free enterprise in the nation and focuses on advancing the study of free enterprise through research, education and public engagement. In her role, Dr. Kramer—who came to UTC in 2020—also directs the University’s Center for Economic Education, which serves K-12 students, educators and local citizens by providing resources and workshops on economics.
Dr. Kramer’s efforts include creating mentorship opportunities and professional development programs such as the Phillips Scholarship in Free Enterprise. The scholarship, launched during the 2024-2025 academic year, helps students connect with economics in a personal way.
“It’s just been really exciting to be able to do that in a much more informal but intimate way,” Dr. Kramer said. “What we found is the students come to class and they talk to each other. They share personal stories and form connections they wouldn’t have made otherwise.”
Upcoming events hosted by the Probasco Chair include a pair of panel discussions in February.
On Thursday, Feb. 6, “The Economics of Sports” will explore topics like name, image, and likeness publicity rights and the economic trends shaping the sports industry. Panelists include UT System President Randy Boyd, the owner/operator of five minor league baseball teams; sports economist Brad R. Humphreys; and Times Free Press sportswriter Jay Greeson. On Thursday, Feb. 26, Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith and etiquette expert Candace Smith will headline “Economics and Etiquette,” a networking lunch-and-learn focusing on how economics and etiquette shape a civil society.
Dr. Kramer’s vision also extends beyond UTC—as she collaborates with educators and stakeholders through the CEE.
“Many high school teachers are asked to teach economics without formal training. I started thinking about how we can aid the teachers and develop programs that impact the community at large,” she said.
To support this mission, she hired UTC alum Kim Holder as managing director of the CEE in 2024. Together, they put together workshops and public events aimed at demystifying economics and showcasing its importance.
To learn more about the Probasco Chair of Free Enterprise and upcoming events, visit UTC News.