Who is Scott Beaulier, American economist rejected by Northern Michigan University for presidential post?

Northern Michigan University recently passed over an accomplished scholar for its president role after controversy erupted over his past academic work, according to The College Fix.

Scott Beaulier, an NMU alumnus and current dean of the University of Wyoming’s business school, had applied to lead his alma mater. Despite his qualifications and strong ties to the university, NMU ultimately selected another candidate.The decision sparked debate because Beaulier became a target of criticism over a decades-old academic paper he co-authored. Graduate student Andrew Plocher wrote to the board of trustees raising “deep concern about the candidacy of Scott Beaulier, who co-authored an academic article titled ‘Behavioral Economics and Perverse Effects of the Welfare State,’” as reported by The College Fix.

Plocher, a pastor of a liberal Lutheran church with no formal economic training, argued that the paper placed undue blame on poor individuals instead of addressing systemic or structural inequities.

From Iron Mountain to Northern Michigan University

Beaulier was born and raised in Iron Mountain, Michigan, the hometown of sports figures Tom Izzo and Steve Mariucci. A first-generation college student, he attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.

It was there that Beaulier became interested in economics after taking a course taught by David Prychitko. He graduated with a B.A. in economics and history in 2000 before pursuing graduate studies at George Mason University, earning both an M.A.

and a Ph.D. in economics by 2004. His dissertation, supervised by Peter Boettke, focused on economic development and the role that robust institutions play in human flourishing.

The paper that sparked controversy

The controversy centered on a 2007 paper co-authored by Beaulier and economist Bryan Caplan, which examined behavioral patterns among welfare recipients. It highlighted higher incidences of behaviors such as overeating, drinking, smoking, drug use, crime, and unprotected sex, explaining these through behavioral economic tendencies. Plocher criticized the work for suggesting that poor people make poor decisions, claiming it unfairly blames individuals rather than societal structures.Caplan defended the paper on his Substack, writing that “many readers will find some of our arguments less than convincing, but you should still be repelled by Plocher’s — and NMU’s — utterly anti-intellectual response,” according to The College Fix. The paper itself does not use the term “cognitively deficient,” contrary to some claims.

Beaulier’s qualifications and support

Supporters highlighted Beaulier’s impressive qualifications and personal journey.

Growing up in rural Michigan and becoming the first in his family to attend college, Beaulier’s story reflects resilience and dedication. Helen Raleigh, a commentator defending Beaulier, argued that NMU allowed unfair attacks to derail a highly qualified candidate. Raleigh warned that “America’s universities will fail to succeed unless they choose leaders based on who is the most qualified candidate and who is best equipped to lead the university into a promising future — regardless of leftist attacks,” as reported by The College Fix.

Academic freedom vs. public scrutiny in higher education

Beaulier’s rejection raises questions about academic freedom, merit, and ideological sensitivity in university leadership. While some argue that leaders must reflect the values and public image of an institution, others see the NMU decision as a troubling sign that controversial but peer-reviewed scholarship could disqualify strong candidates from leadership roles.The episode highlights the tension universities face when intellectual inquiry intersects with public scrutiny. For Scott Beaulier, the decision may be a setback, but it also positions him at the center of a national discussion on higher education, merit-based leadership, and intellectual courage.