Alan Harper, MBA, PhD is the Associate Dean of Operations in Academic Affairs at Gwynedd Mercy University. He also teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels as an associate professor and serves as the program coordinator for the Finance and Management undergraduate programs. Formerly, he served GMercyU's Assistant Dean of Business.
Dr. Harper earned his BBA in Finance from Middle Tennessee State University, his MBA from Mercer University and his PhD from Capella University in Organization and Management with a research focus in Finance and Economics. He holds a certificate in Economic Measurement from the National Association for Business Economics and is a member of the American Academy of Financial Management Board of Honorary Global Advisors. Dr. Harper taught previously as Associate Professor of Business Administration and Program Director for a university in Virginia.
Before entering academia, Dr. Harper spent 20 years in the retail industry where he held mid- to senior-level operations and management positions with several well-known retail organizations specializing in general merchandise, variety, and the grocery sectors.
His primary teaching areas include finance and economics. His research interests include executive compensation, international finance, international economics, and market volatility.
Dr. Harper has published in reviewed journals and presented at academic conferences on topics in finance and economics. He also maintains several memberships in professional organizations such as the National Association for Business Economics, the Financial Management Association, and the American Finance Association.
