Phil Powell is Executive Director of the Indiana Business Research Center and a business economics faculty member at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. The Center uses data, practical research, and strategic insight to help businesses, communities, and organizations make better decisions and forecast their future. Previously, Powell was Associate Dean of Academic Programs on the Indianapolis campus. Before joining the dean's office, Powell was faculty chair of online graduate programs in Bloomington which earned a number one U.S. News & World Report ranking during his tenure. Powell has received 21 teaching awards and is a published scholar on topics in economic development. He joined the Kelley School of Business in 1996. A native of Nashville, Tennessee who earned his Ph.D. in economics from Vanderbilt University and B.A. in economics from the University of South Carolina, he speaks Spanish, loves college football, and enjoys country music.