PULLMAN, Wash. — Rom Markin has become the first Maughmer Freedom Philosophy
Professor in the Washington State University College of Business & Economics.
“Dr. Markin shares many of the business philosophies that led his friends, Glenn F. (Geoff)
and Florence M. Maughmer, of California, to establish an endowed chair in freedom philosophy,”
says CBE Dean Glenn L. Johnson. “His commitment to entrepreneurism and to free enterprise
have allowed Dr. Markin to be an excellent teacher, mentor and administrator in our college. With
his new position, he will continue to provide positive impact on the lives of our students and the
university.”
Markin joined the WSU faculty in 1961 and served from 1980-95 as dean of the college. He
initiated and oversaw the development of the Center for Entrepreneurship, and served as its
director since 1997. He held the James D. Huber Memorial Chair in Entrepreneurship. He will
continue to teach classes in entrepreneurship.
The Center for Entrepreneurship promotes the “free market” philosophy, explains Markin.
That is, minimum government intervention, venture enterprise, competitive pricing and informed
consumerism. “These are some key elements of freedom philosophy, something in which the
Maughmer’s deeply believed.”
The California couple established the endowed chair and a scholarship program in their
name through planned giving options at WSU. Maughmer (’23, Engineering and Architecture)
died in 1993; his widow died in 1997.
Both the Maughmer chair and the Huber professorship are closely related to the Center.
When Markin became the Maughmer chair, Jerman Rose, long-time marketing and international
business faculty member, became director of the center and the Huber chair.
There are 10 distinguished professorships and endowed chairs in the CBE, and one chaired
professorship remains held in trust. Faculty in these positions are renowned scholars and
teachers on an academic and industry level, and provide outreach to businesses and
organizations around the region, the nation and the world. They are instrumental in securing
internship and placement opportunities for students and graduates of the CBE, and in bringing
experts and business leaders to campus to share real world experiences with students.
Bsm123-99
Next Story
Exhibit explores queer experience on the Palouse
An opening reception for “Higher Ground: An Exhibition of Art, Ephemera, and Form” will take place 6–8 p.m. Friday on the ground floor of the Terrell Library on the Pullman campus.
Recent News
Phyllis J. Campbell endows deanship at WSU’s Carson College of Business
The endowed deanship stems from a generous gift from Phyllis and Bill Campbell of Issaquah, who met as WSU undergraduates and married not long after Phyllis’ graduation.
Spanish, bilingual course from WSU Extension creates climate ambassadors
To reach thousands of northwestern Washington residents who do not speak English fluently, WSU Extension is offering new environmental educational programs in Spanish.
VR can motivate people to donate to refugee crises regardless of politics
A new WSU-led study shows virtual reality technology may have the ability to bridge the gap between different ideologies and motivate people to show more generosity.
Todd Butler resigns as College of Arts and Sciences dean
Associate Dean Courtney Meehan will serve as interim dean for a two‑year term to allow for a national search set to launch in 2025.
Tri-state team releases calendar guide for more productive, sustainable pastures
Experts drew on knowledge of the complex landscapes and seasonal rhythms of the Inland Pacific Northwest for a new year-round guide to boost the productivity of the region’s pastureland.
WSU to study effect of controversial drug on racehorses
Overall, the WSU team plans to analyze information gathered from about 30,000 racehorses to determine the future use of the drug furosemide in horse racing.