Genesis of the PER
Below is a revised version of Timothy F. Kearney’s account, a long-time board member of the Pennsylvania Economic Association (PEA) since the mid-1980s, supplemented with additional facts and context gathered from other sources.
The PEA has published conference proceedings since at least 1981. Though the proceedings lacked professional polish and peer review, they were a valuable historical record of the association’s conferences.
A Turning Point: Inception of the PER (Fall 1990)
During the 1990 PEA Fall Board Meeting in Gettysburg, several directors expressed concerns about the limited academic recognition of non-peer-reviewed PEA Conference Proceedings. While it would have been great for the PEA to publish a formal journal, conventional publishing through established firms, common in that era of less advanced technology, proved too costly for the PEA’s size.
Recognizing the potential of personal computers and word-processing software, Timothy F. Kearney, then an ex-officio director, proposed a bold solution: a peer-reviewed journal published by the PEA itself. Demonstrating resourcefulness, he envisioned editing the journal electronically and leveraged the expertise of his friend, Bob Firth, who owned a print shop (Informing Design Inc.). This innovative approach, born out of necessity in a time of limited technological options, laid the groundwork for the PER’s publication.
With the board’s approval, Bob Firth agreed to print the journal for free, provided that he has creative control over its design. The board christened the new publication the Pennsylvania Economic Review.
A Momentous Arrival (Summer 1991)
The first issue of the PER underwent a rigorous peer-review process, with each article reviewed by two anonymous experts on the editorial board. Timothy Kearney, Cindy Benzing (Drexel University), Marvin Margolis (Millersville University), Elizabeth Hill (PSU-Mont Alto), and the late Derrick Gondwe (Gettysburg College) were among the esteemed reviewers.
On the eve of the board meeting at the 1991 Annual PEA Conference (Lehigh University), Timothy received a box containing the very first issue of the PER. Filled with anticipation, he transported the box to the meeting. He held off opening it, opting to share the momentous occasion by unveiling the first issue with his fellow board members.
A Legacy of Excellence (1991-Present)
Since its inception, the PER has flourished under the leadership of subsequent editors:
- Cindy Benzing, Drexel University, 1991-1994
- Marvin S. Margolis, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, 1994-1998
- David B. Culp, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, 1998-2001
- David B. Yerger, Lycoming College, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2001-2005
- John M. Misner, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, 2006-2008
- Thomas Tolin & Orhan Kara, West Chester University, 2010-2018
- Orhan Kara, West Chester University, 2019-Present
Over the years, the journal has continuously improved and gained recognition by being indexed in Cabell’s, ABDC, and other reputable journal rating services.
2/28/2024