Ricky Feir, M.S.
Challey Research Specialist
With a passion for both education and economics, Ricky Feir brings a unique perspective to his role as a research specialist at the Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth. His career journey reflects a seamless blend of teaching and research, shaped by his time as a high school educator and further refined through graduate studies in economics. Ricky’s transition from the classroom to policy-focused research was fueled by a desire to apply economic thinking to real-world challenges, helping individuals and communities thrive.
At the institute, his work focuses on critical issues like workforce shortages, immigration, and education policy—areas where his teaching experience provides valuable insights. Ricky’s research explores ways to attract talent to North Dakota, support underemployed workers, and address the state’s K-12 teacher shortage. His passion for learning and problem-solving drives him to uncover solutions that promote economic growth, using data and policy insights to make a tangible impact on the region and beyond.
Research Focus and Contributions
Ricky’s research addresses pressing challenges in education and workforce development. His work on North Dakota’s K-12 teacher shortage led to the publication of a policy brief, an op-ed, and even a meeting with the governor’s policy advisor. His deep interest in labor dynamics extends to exploring ways to attract legal immigrants into the workforce, reduce underemployment, and retain talent in the state.
Leveraging his economics background, he applies data-driven approaches to analyze these critical issues. His expertise with large datasets, econometrics, and machine learning allows him to turn complex information into actionable insights for policymakers and the community. Whether it’s education policy or labor supply challenges, Ricky aims to identify solutions that help North Dakota grow and prosper.
Teaching and Mentorship
Ricky’s experience as a high school teacher continues to influence his approach to research and collaboration. In the classroom, he engaged students by connecting economic theory to real-world policy issues, using examples like rent control during COVID-19 to illustrate complex concepts. This ability to translate abstract ideas into practical lessons has carried over into his research, where he strives to make data and policy insights accessible to a broad audience.
His education background also shapes how he mentors others, fostering open communication and encouraging diverse perspectives. Whether working with colleagues or students, he draws on his teaching skills to help others think critically and communicate effectively. This spring, Ricky will return to the classroom to teach a microeconomics course, furthering his commitment to education. He values the opportunity to support learning inside and outside the classroom, believing that mentorship and collaboration are essential to driving meaningful research and policy impact.
Professional Growth and Motivation
The transition from teaching to research has been both challenging and rewarding, reflecting a lifelong curiosity and passion for economics. What began as a practical step—pursuing a master’s degree to advance on the teaching pay scale—evolved into a career focused on addressing complex societal challenges. Discovering research felt like a natural progression, allowing him to apply the economic way of thinking beyond the classroom. Through mentorship and collaboration during graduate school, new opportunities emerged, leading him to his role at the Challey Institute.
Ricky finds fulfillment in using data and economic principles to solve real-world problems, from addressing workforce shortages to exploring immigration’s role in the labor market. His diverse background—from teaching to running a small business—gives him a unique perspective on workforce dynamics. For him, research is not just about finding answers but embracing the process: identifying challenges, testing new methods, and sharing insights that impact policy and improve communities.
Looking Ahead
In the coming years, Ricky will become a leading expert on workforce issues in North Dakota. He plans to delve deeper into labor supply trends, such as legal immigration and talent retention, and how to make workforce data more accessible to the public. He hopes to empower residents to navigate job opportunities and contribute to the state’s economic future.
With his dedication to research, education, and policy impact, Ricky is committed to using his diverse background to address complex societal challenges and help create a thriving future for North Dakota and beyond.
Fun Fact: Ricky has a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and once owned a window-washing business.
The Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth aims to advance understanding in the areas of innovation, trade, institutions, and human potential to identify policies and solutions that enhance economic growth and opportunity. Learn more at www.ndsu.edu/challeyinstitute
