Business and Economic History Program at PLU

Business and economic history involves the study of business organizations, companies, entrepreneurs, workers, products, and consumers, as well as the economic forces that have shaped culture and society. PLU offers six courses in business and economic history, a regular lecture series, summer research fellowships for students and faculty, and an endowed chair to coordinate activities, teach courses, and conduct original research.

The Business and Economic History Program at PLU is supported by a generous endowment provided by Dale and Jolita Benson in 2004.

Explore resources and materials related to PLU Business and Economic History on this website, including our Blog.

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The Eighteenth Dale E. Benson Lecture

The Eighteenth Dale E. Benson Lecture in Business and Economic History will be a celebration of the Benson Student/Faculty Research Fellowship program, which has produced 16 research projects since its inaugural year in 2016. A lecture and celebration is scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025 in the Scandinavian Cultural Center in the Anderson University Center. Benson Chair Michael Halvorson is organizing the lecture and event for all former Benson students and fellows. Please make a plan to attend. For more information, email Prof. Halvorson at halvormj@plu.edu.

Previous Lectures

Benson Family Chair

The current Benson Family Chair in Business and Economic History is Michael J. Halvorson, Professor of History. You can reach him via email at halvormj@plu.edu.

Professor Halvorson welcomes students for academic advising and conversations about business and economic history.

Innovation Studies Program

For information about the popular Innovation Studies minor, see our website dedicated to the program. Innovation Studies is housed in the College of Professional Studies.