Published on June 4, 2026 by Catherine Smith  

Art Carden HeadshotArt Carden, Margaret Gage Bush Distinguished Professor of Economics at Samford University’s Brock School of Business, continues to grow his national and international presence through research, writing and media engagement. 

An internationally recognized economist and accomplished media contributor, Carden brings expertise in mass-market retailers, economic history, public policy and regulation, and the causes and consequences of economic growth. He is known for his work in free-market economics and his contributions to public conversations on economic policy and growth and consistently connects academic insight with real-world application.  

National Recognition 

Carden’s scholarship continues to earn recognition across academic and faith-based communities. His most recent book, Mere Economics, was named one of the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics’ “Favorite Faith and Work Books of 2025,” highlighting its influence at the intersection of economics and Christian thought. 

Recent Research and Publications 

Over the past year, Carden has contributed a wide range of research and commentary that reflects both intellectual depth and accessibility. His recent work includes: 

In the Community 

Carden remains an active voice in national media, offering an economic perspective on timely issues. He was recently featured in coverage examining how rising diesel prices are affecting truck drivers, providing insight into the broader impact on supply chains and consumers. He is also a frequent keynote speaker for the Club for Growth Foundation Fellowship Program.

His ongoing research and media engagement directly shape the classroom experience for students at Samford University. By integrating current scholarship and real-time economic analysis into his teaching, Carden equips students with practical insight and prepares them to think critically about complex issues in today’s marketplace. 

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 35 Most Beautiful College Campuses, Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.