Angela Revels
Features Editor
This academic year, Florida Southern College is welcoming a new addition to its faculty: Dr. Vincent Miozzi, who joins the Barney Barnett School of Business & Free Enterprise as the Assistant Professor of Economics. In addition to his primary role, Miozzi will serve as a Faculty Fellow at the Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship. His unique perspective, teaching philosophy, and commitment to student development hope to make an impact on both the classroom and the broader academic community.
Miozzi’s journey into economics began in Ohio, where he grew up just outside Cleveland. He attended Hillsdale College in Michigan for his undergraduate studies, and it was there that his passion for economics started.
“At Hillsdale, I really fell in love with economics,” Miozzi said. The school’s focus on not only standard economic theory, but also alternative schools of thought such as Austrian economics, new institutional economics and public choice helped shape his economic foundation.
Similar diverse approaches to economic thought led Miozzi to pursue his Ph. D at Texas Tech University. It was during his time at Texas Tech that he discovered his love for teaching.
“At Hillsdale, I loved teaching. It was great to teach an idea to other students and to have them teach it back to me. That’s kind of what got me into economics and teaching,” he said.
He draws inspiration from a leadership model he describes as “servant leadership,” which mirrors how Christ leads by walking alongside others.
“I try to meet my students where they’re at, and I see their skills and what they’re good at. I try to bring that out in them,” Miozzi said.
His teaching philosophy revolves around adapting to the strengths of individual students, recognizing that everyone learns differently. Whether a student excels in understanding definitions, or thrives on visual representations, he aims to use these strengths to build a deeper understanding of economics.
Collaboration is also a key element in his teaching approach.
“Economics is the study of collaboration, how we cooperate and exchange to make each other’s lives better,” Miozzi said.
Miozzi expressed how important he thinks group work is and problem-solving games to help students apply economic concepts in interactive and engaging ways.
Regarding research, Miozzi is deeply engaged in the Economic Freedom of the World Index, an annual publication by the Fraser Institute that measures economic freedom across countries.
“It’s a broad institutional measure meant to capture the institutions that govern exchange and trade,” Miozzi said. His research explores the various institutional elements that lead to wealth and prosperity, offering insights into why some nations thrive while others falter.
His research also feeds back into his teaching, as he uses real-world data and analysis to challenge students to think critically about the global economy. Miozzi is excited to contribute further to this field and believes that the resources at FSC will support him in these efforts. He also expressed his excitement for his new role at FSC he explained that both the faculty and the students are sources of inspiration.
“When I came down here for my interview, every discussion I had was just a blast,” Miozzi said. “I knew I was never going to be bored here.”
He highlighted the collaborative spirit and supportive environment at the college, especially within the Center for Free Enterprise and the Barnett Business School. Miozzi feels that these relationships, along with the college’s unique resources, will help him grow not only as a scholar but also as an educator and person.
Over the next few years, Miozzi wants to become a mentor and role model for both his students and colleagues.
“I hope I can kind of become that faculty member that people can look to, someone who helps others grow and develop,” Miozzi said.
For Miozzi, the lightbulb moment, when a student grasps a complex concept for the first time, is a constant source of motivation.
“I get to relive that light bulb moment when I teach,” Miozzi said. He also strives to demonstrate to his students the broader value of economics as a way of thinking.
“It’s more than just supply and demand charts or money. It’s a way of thinking that can be applied almost anywhere,” Miozzi said.
As a newcomer to Florida, He prioritizes social connections as a way to stay grounded. Whether it’s attending mass, spending time with colleagues, or meeting with students outside the classroom, he believes that these interactions help him maintain a healthy work-life balance.
“People are really good at wasting time when they’re alone, but when you’re with someone else, you’re not wasting any time, you’re becoming a better person,” Miozzi said.
Miozzi looks forward to growing in his role at FSC and making lasting contributions to both his students and the college community. His enthusiasm, passion for teaching and commitment to student development may guarantee his success.
