TAMUC Faculty Member Named One of Top 15 Black Economists in U.S. Higher Education

Dr. Augustine “Chuck” Arize, Texas A&M University-Commerce Regents Professor, was recently named one of the top Black economists in academe in an article published in the Review of Black Political Economy, a peer-reviewed journal that bills itself as the leading outlet for research that examines issues related to the economic status of African Americans, the African diaspora and marginalized populations throughout the world.
In the study, “A Citations-Based Ranking of Black Economists in Academe,” authors Franklin Mixon Jr. and Kamal Upadhyaya study the research productivity and impact of Black economists, ranking the top 200 in the nation. Arize is listed at number 15, and is the highest-ranked among black economists at Texas universities.
Arize's history at A&M-Commerce stretches back to 1987, when he first joined the faculty of the College of Business. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Central Arkansas and a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas.
In 2000, Arize was awarded the title of Regents Professor by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, the highest honor bestowed on faculty in the A&M System. He also holds the title of Lion Legacy Endowed Distinguished Professor in the College of Business.
In addition, the Augustine “Chuck” Arize Junior Faculty Awards are presented each year to A&M-Commerce junior faculty who exhibit professional excellence.
Arize expressed his gratitude for the recognition of his scholarly work and publications, which are highly regarded in the field of higher education.
“TAMUC is a great institution, and I am honored to have demonstrated this through my work,” Arize said. “I am grateful for the kindness and encouragement I received over time at this university, which led to this achievement.”
He continued: “I would also like to express my gratitude to former [A&M-Commerce] President, Dr. Keith McFarland, and my former department heads, Drs. Ed Manton and Don English,” Arize said. “Their efforts made me the person I am today.”
Read the full study at Sage Journals.
More College of Business
View All College of Business
Accounting Senior Wins $15,000 PCAOB Scholarship and Lands Internship at Grant Thornton
East Texas A&M University accounting senior Kay-Marie James has been named a 2025–2026 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Scholar, earning a prestigious $15,000 scholarship from the board.

Supply Chain Management Student Lands Fastenal Internship, Shares Keys to Success for Fellow Lions
Tyjuan Hughey, a Supply Chain Management student at East Texas A&M University with an expected graduation in May 2026, has earned a place in Fastenal’s prestigious Internship Program following a standout seven-month tenure at the company’s top-performing TXSUP branch.

NABA Chapter Inspires Future Business Leaders at Annual National Convention in Las Vegas
Six members of the East Texas A&M University NABA chapter–two recent May 2025 graduates and four continuing students–returned uplifted from the 2025 NABA National Convention in Las Vegas