Biographical Text
Professor Emeritus of Economics Barry Ward Elledge was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina (August 29, 1940-), and was the third of four children born to Bessie Warren (1912-) and Luther Calloway Elledge (1907-2000). Elledge graduated from North Wilkes High School in Hays, North Carolina, in 1958. He received his B.S. degree in business administration from Berea College in 1962; his M.S. degree in agricultural economics from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, in 1964; and his Ph.D. degree in economics from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, in 1970. Dr. Elledge is married to the former Linda Diane Finley, a graduate of Wilkes Central High School, Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Linda retired from nursing in 2004, after working as a nurse for twenty-seven years, and the couple has three children and eight grand-children. Elledge's son, Barry, Jr., is married to Anne-Sophie Bing. They have three sons and reside near Cluses in the French Alps. Barry works for Dassault Systems, a French software firm. Another son, Michael Scott, is married to Deborah Harding. They have two sons and reside in Burlington, Kentucky. Michael is a pilot for Conair, a subsidiary of Delta Airways. Their daughter, Julie Camille Elledge Kaufman, is married to Rabbi David Kauffman. Along with two daughters and one son, the couple resides in Des Moines, Iowa. Elledge began his teaching career in 1965 as an instructor at North Carolina State University, Raleigh. He started his career at Appalachian State University in 1969 as an assistant professor of economics. He then had the following positions: associate professor of economics (1972-1976); graduate coordinator and professor of economics (1976-1983); assistant dean and professor of economics (1983-1985); associate dean and professor of economics (1985-1987); acting director, center of the study of private enterprise and professor of economics (1988-1989); chair and professor of economics (1992-1996); and, professor of economics (1976-1999). He retired in 1999, participating in the Phased Retirement Plan from 1999 to 2002 Dr. Elledge took a significant role in helping implement international study-abroad programs. He participated as a faculty member in seven study-abroad programs from 1986 to 1998 (Germany, England, Scandinavia, and Italy), serving as program leader for three years. Elledge also served on numerous committees during his thirty years at Appalachian State University: Council of Chairs Committee, Arts and Sciences (1991-1996); International Exchange Committee West (1991-1996); Advisory Council for the Appalachian Journal (1992-1998); Advisory Council for the Master of Arts in Social Science (1992-1996); College of Business Graduate Curriculum Committee (1995-1996); College of Business Selection Committee for the Dean's Award Excellence in Graduate Education (1993-1995); Department Personnel Committee, ex officio (1991-1996); and Ad Hoc Committee on Student Recruitment (1995-1996). In addition to his committee service, Dr. Elledge was faculty advisor to the Economics Club (1996-1997), a departmental undergraduate advisor (1996-1997), and a faculty senator (1992). He received one of the Student Government Association Outstanding Faculty Awards in 1998. Dr. Elledge's publications include the following titles: • "The Effect of Government Size on Economic Growth: Evidence from Gross State Product Data." The Review of Regional Studies, 1992. (with Gary Durden). • Managerial Economics Workbooks (Center for Instructional Development, Appalachian State University, 1980). • "Peak Load Pricing for Electric Utility Companies: An Economic Justification," Appalachian Business Review 4, No. 4 (1977): 11-14. (co-author) • "The Structure of the North Carolina Ski Industry and Its Economic Impact," Appalachian Business Review, Spring 1992. (co-author) • "Hospital Facilities with the Regional Health Council of Eastern Appalachia: An Economic Analysis," Appalachian Business Review, Spring 1972. (co-author) Dr. Elledge has also been involved in community service. He served on the Board of Trustees for Watauga Hospital in the mid-1970s, was a Watauga County Boy Scout Leader for ten years, and served as deacon and elder for the First Presbyterian Church where he also sings in the choir. He presently volunteers on Habitat for Humanity projects. Since retiring, he and his wife enjoy dancing, gardening, landscaping, crafts, and visiting with their children and grandchildren. Sources: Appalachian State University files, personal correspondence, and long association. -Dr. Richard D. Howe
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