Michael E Sykuta

I am an Assistant Professor of Agribusiness and Director of the Contracting and Organizations Research Institute (CORI) at the University of Missouri-Columbia. My research interests focus on the organization of economic activity, including the roles of legal, political, and social institutions in shaping economic organization. For more information on my research or the courses I teach, see my website: http://www.cori.missouri.edu/sykutam.

I am one of the faculty advisors for the Agricultural Economics Club and also the faculty advisor for the Christian Grad Student Network. I am a member of the MU Christian Faculty/Staff Fellowship, which was formed to be a presence for Christ among the students, faculty, and staff of the University. I also serve on the Board of the Wesley Foundation, the campus ministry of the United Methodist Church.

On the personal side, I am the husband of one and father of three. We are actively involved in our church, Community United Methodist Church in Columbia, MO. My wife and I lead a Sunday school class for married couples, and I am currently serving as chair of our administrative council. I am a lay member of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church and a member of the Conference’s Congregational Ministries Team. I am also a certified lay speaker and occasionally fill the pulpit at churches in the area. I have spent much of the past three years involved with strategic planning activities for congregational development and organizational redesign.

I enjoy running…long distances. I have completed three marathons and am currently training for another in Fall 2004. I also enjoy biking…especially with my family.