Evolving Hungarian-American Academic Relations: Insights and Broader Reflections from Quinnipiac’s Experience with Hungary since 2005

Type of Abstract (select): Paper presentation

Abstract (max. 250 words):
AHEA 2023 Keynote Presentation

This presentation shares my own thoughts and reflections on cross boarder academic cooperation
between America and Hungary. Starting with a short history of my own experience in this field going
back to the mid-1990s, I discuss the launching of Hungarian programs at Quinnipiac University in 2005,
the aims of establishing an Istvan Szechenyi Chair in 2008 and the building of programs around that.
Throughout I discuss the evolving challenges and successes around these efforts. I address some
general trends as I see them in both the US and Hungary and discuss how they affect programs and
opportunities. Finally, I share my personal thoughts on where I see the need for programs going
forward.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Christopher Ball is Associate Professor of Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences at Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT. He is
the inaugural faculty chair of the Central European Institute, the István Széchenyi Chair in International Economics, a permanent, endowed faculty position. The position was established in September 2008.

Ball worked in Budapest, Hungary, from 1994–98 at the Hungarian Atlantic Council and as a fellow for the Institute for Current World Affairs. In 2003, he was hired by Quinnipiac as an assistant professor of economics in the School of Business. Building on his unique connections in Hungary, Ball launched a foreign lecture series in the business school bringing notable individuals from Hungary to speak at Quinnipiac.

In 2008, he became the first endowed chair at Quinnipiac and began focusing on building programs with the Central European region. In 2011, he established CEENET Inc., which is a private association of professionals in Connecticut with Central European connections who promote bilateral business and diplomatic relations between Connecticut and Central Europe. In 2013, he was inaugurated as the Hungarian Honorary Consul for Connecticut. He continues to serve in that role, and the Hungarian Honorary Consulate is housed at the Central European Institute. In addition, Ball served as executive vice president of Light Sources Inc., a multinational manufacturer headquartered in Orange, Connecticut, and currently manages his private consulting business.