Michael Ellerbrock
Professor
Expertise:
Education
Ph.D., Applied Economics, Clemson University, 1980
M.R.P.A., Recreation and Park Administration, Clemson University, 1975
B.S., Recreation and Parks, Texas A&M, 1974
Overview
I love my students and teaching Economics. I serve as the Undergraduate Director for the department and I conduct multiple Extension initiatives including the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRLI) and EPA's National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC).
Extension Program
Virginia Tech Center for Economic Education- develop economics curricula for Middle and High School, conduct workshops and teach graduate courses for K-12 Social Studies teachers, serve on Board of Directors of Virginia Council on Economic Education.
Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute - 19th year training federal, state & community practitioners on environmental conflict resolution.
U.S. EPA National Environmental Justice Advisory Council and Virginia Advisory Council on Environmental Justice - hear cases from around the country (national council) and Virginia (state council) and provide council on environmental justice issues for executive decision-making.
Outreach Program
Foundation for Teaching Economics - Training HS Teachers in Eastern European Transition Economies
University of Virginia - Semester-at-Sea 2010 and 2012
Courses Taught
- AAEC 1005 - Microeconomics of the Food & Fiber System
- AAEC 1006 - Macroeconomics of the Food & Fiber System
- AAEC 1264 - Peace Economics
- AAEC/REL/STS 2264 - Science & Religion: Friends or Foes?
- AAEC 3324 - Sustainable Development Economics
Experience
- 1992 - Present: Professor and Director, Center for Economic Education, Virginia Tech
- 1989 - 1992: Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Texas A&M-Commerce
- 1986 - 1989: Assistant Dean, Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M-Commerce
- 1985 - 1991: Associate Professor, Agriculture, Texas A&M-Commerce
- 1983 - 1985: Assistant Professor, Agriculture, Texas A&M-Commerce
- 1981 - 1983: Assistant Professor, Food and Resource Economics, University of Florida
- 1978 - 1980: Instructor, Recreation and Park Administration and Tourism, Clemson University
Awards
- 2010 University Wine Award for teaching excellence.
- 2010 VT CALS Faculty Service Award
- 2008 and 2004 Students’ Choice Award by Virginia Tech Student Body.
- Congressionally-sponsored 2002 USDA National Award for Teaching Excellence for all fields of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Human and Veterinary Sciences.
- 1999 National Excellence in Program Evaluation Award from the American Evaluation Association.
- 1998 University Sporn Award for excellence in teaching introductory subjects at Virginia Tech.
- 1997 Outstanding Teaching Award from the Southern Agricultural Economics Association.
- Member of CALS and VT Academy of Teaching Excellence, 1998- Present.
- Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award in 1987 at Texas A&M - Commerce.
Selected Publications
Ellerbrock, M.J., “Sustainable Development Requires Environmental Justice,” International Journal of Sustainable Development & Planning, 13(2): 2018, 208-214.
Ellerbrock, M., "Assessing Economic Impacts of Ecotourism in the Virginia Roanoke River Basin: Metrics Program Development Services."
Ellerbrock M., G. Groover. "Do Independent Farmers Serve the Common Good?" NACTA Journal, 57(2): 30-34, June 2013.
Ellerbrock M. June 2013 - August 2014. Metrics Program Development Service. Roanoke River Basin Association. Total Amount: $24,000. 100% Participation.
Serrano, E., M. McFerren, M. Ellerbrock, et al., "Cost-Effectiveness Model for Youth EFNEP Programs: What Do We Measure and How Do We Do It?," Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior, 43(4): 295-302, 2011.
Wood, C., R. Lyons, M. Ellerbrock, D. Moore, "Evolution of a Liberal Education Course Linking Agriculture, the Arts, and Society," NACTA Journal, 54: 61-68, 2010.
Ellerbrock, M.J., J. Bayer, and R. Bradshaw, “Sustaining the Commons: The Tragedy Works both Ways,” Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, 2008, 28(3): 256-259.
Book Chapter: M.J. Ellerbrock, "A True Education: To Be Drawn Out," Teaching Excellence at a Research-Centered University (Boston: Pearson Publishing, 2007), pp. 85-91.
Roanoke Times, 22 OpEd Columns on public policy issues.
Mike Ellerbrock, Professor, Agricultural & Applied Economics

- 540-231-7722
- mebrock@vt.edu
-
218 Hutcheson Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061