Polzin, 64, has been connected with UM since 1968. He's been a professor of economics and management, and also has held various positions at the bureau.
“I have had a delightful career. It was very rewarding and exciting,” said Polzin, who lives in Missoula. “It's not my entire life and I'm ready to move on.”
“When you come into a center with only two directors for 36 years, you have a feeling that this is a significant event,” Barkey said. “I feel very honored to be the one picked to do this job. On the other hand, there will be some big shoes to fill.”
Larry Gianchetta, dean of the School of Business Administration, said he was pleased by the decision to elevate Barkey to the position, which has an annual salary of about $108,000.
Gianchetta said he's been able to entice Polzin to remain at least one more year. Polzin will continue to lead the bureau's Montana Economic Outlook Seminars, which are held in nine locations around the state in February and March. He just wrapped up the 33rd seminar with discussions on the general economy, real estate and other sectors.
“Paul's expertise is in modeling and forecasting and data analysis. He's built a reputation for the bureau because of his accuracy,” said Gianchetta, who has taped to his door a copy of the British newsmagazine the Economist, which quotes Polzin in a Feb. 7 article.
Gianchetta said the search committee began its internal, university-wide search for Polzin's replacement in late 2007. He said Barkey was the only candidate to apply for the job.
Polzin said he's looking forward to retirement, with more time for fishing during the summer and otherwise enjoying Montana's outdoors. He also anticipates more travels, including trips to Europe and to Seattle, where some of his grandchildren reside.
There will be an overlap of several months before Polzin relinquishes the top job.
“We drink a lot of coffee together and are going over various aspects of it,” Polzin said. “We are one of the largest of our types of units in the country.”
Barkey said he didn't expect major changes at the 20-person bureau under his leadership.
“The ship is going in the right direction and I'm very much interested in strengthening and continuing our activities,” with the government, public sector and community, Barkey said. “We want to see what makes Montana's economy tick and put that to use for our individual projects when people come to us.”
He said he's pleased Polzin will lead another economic outlook seminar.
“In many, if not most, people's eyes, Paul is the BBER. That is something you don't let go of if you don't have to and he does a marvelous job,” Barkey said. “That is also another part of trying to keep a smooth transition.”
Barkey said the search has already begun for his successor as director of health care research at the bureau. He said about one-third of the bureau's budget is derived from the state and the remainder comes from contract work.
Polzin received his undergraduate degree in economics in 1964 from the University of Michigan. He received both his master's degree and doctorate in economics in 1968 from Michigan State University.
Barkey received his education at the University of Michigan. He got his bachelor's degree in economics and political science in 1978, his master's degree in social work in 1980 and his doctorate in 1986.
Reporter Pamela J. Podger can be reached at 523-5241 or at pamela.podger@missoulian.com.
|
 |
 |
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)