
Abdullah Al Bahrani
Abdullah Al Bahrani, PhD is an economist, educator, and academic leader dedicated to advancing student success, economic mobility, and applied learning in business education. He serves in a senior leadership role at the Northern Kentucky University Haile College of Business, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on graduate education, program innovation, and workforce alignment.
Dr. Al Bahrani earned his PhD in economics from the University of Kentucky and is widely recognized for his contributions to economics education research. His scholarship centers on student engagement, data-driven pedagogy, and the development of experiential learning models that prepare students for a rapidly evolving labor market. He is the co-founder of The Econ Games, a nationally recognized experiential learning competition that challenges students to apply economic theory to real-world problems, strengthening analytical reasoning, teamwork, and professional communication skills.
Beyond his academic research, Dr. Al Bahrani is committed to translating economic insight for broader audiences. He is the founder of www.DecodeEcon.com, a platform that makes economic research accessible and relevant to students, educators, and professionals. His work bridges the gap between theory and practice, emphasizing the role of economics in helping individuals and organizations navigate uncertainty. He has appeared on NPR, Marketplace Radio, and several other news outlets.
A dedicated teacher and mentor, Dr. Al Bahrani has received multiple awards for instructional excellence and leadership in higher education. His professional work reflects a consistent focus on innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and measurable student outcomes. Abdullah is the recipient of the 2020 Ken Elzinga Award presented by the Southern Economic Association.
Through his scholarship, leadership, and public engagement, Dr. Al Bahrani continues to champion an economics education that is rigorous, relevant, and responsive to the needs of today’s learners.