Dr. Mark Edelman

Edelman, Dr. Mark A., Director, is Professor of Economics, Extension Economist and Director of the Community Vitality Center (CVC) at Iowa State University. Professor Edelman has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in Agricultural Policy and Economic Development. His research and extension record includes many topics in entrepreneurship and business development; agricultural and food policy; international trade; government finance and organization; economic development; and philanthropy.

Professor Edelman has received several program and service awards at Iowa State University and while on the faculty at South Dakota State University. Edelman received a national AAEA Distinguished Extension Program Award in 1992. His most recent awards include the Iowa Board of Regents Award for Faculty Excellence in 2001, Extension Scholarship and Discovery/Engagement Partnership Award as CVC Director for the Iowa Wealth Transfer and Community Philanthropy Initiative in 2006, and the 2010 Iowa Venture Award for Distinguished Leadership as CVC Director in charge of organizing the Iowa MicroLoan Program and other CVC entrepreneurial initiatives. Edelman is credited with founding the CVC, founding one and revitalizing another nonprofit, and co-founding 5 private companies.

He is a certified as an instructor for First Step Fast Trac™ entrepreneurship training programs by the Kauffman Foundation. He is certified as an instructor for the NxLevel™ entrepreneurship training curriculum by the NxLevel™ Foundation. He has passed the Series 63 Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination (NASAA) North American Securities Administrators Association.

He received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University in 1981. Mark is from Sabetha, Kansas. He has been married for 35 years and he and his wife Nancy have three grown children.

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