Carly MurphyChapman graduate and candidate for a master’s degree in public policy, Heather Johnson, has been named as the inaugural recipient of the Doti-Spogli Free Enterprise Essay Writing Contest. Johnson of Bellevue, Washington, graduated from Chapman University’s Argyros School of Business and Economics in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in history.
Johnson, who will pursue her master’s degree at The University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy in the fall and plans to earn a PhD and ultimately work at the Federal Reserve or in Washington, D.C. as an economic policy analyst.
Her award-wining essay “California Dreaming: How Can We Bring Back Business to the Golden State?” pinpoints three solutions to bring businesses back to California. She suggests addressing superfluous regulations, high living costs, and policies that have contributed to increased crime and lawlessness.
Chapman University’s Professor and George L. Argyros Endowed Chair in Finance and Economics and Nobel-winning economist Vernon Smith was honored with the university’s first Doti-Spogli Free Enterprise Award in April. In his role, he reviewed the essays submitted by students in the spring and selected the winner. Johnson’s insights earned her a 1-ounce American Eagle gold coin valued at $2,000.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be the student winner of the first Doti-Spogli award for my essay, the same year the faculty Doti-Spogli Free Enterprise Award was given to Chapman’s very own Nobel Laureate Dr. Vernon Smith,” Johnson said. “I hope to make Dr. Doti proud. I feel this award is a culmination of the growth that I have achieved while at Chapman.”
During her time at Chapman University, Johnson was president of university’s Hillel, a Jewish organization on campus; a teacher’s assistant; a research assistant; and a hand-picked member of the university’s first Campus Expression Task Force.
About Chapman University
Founded in 1861, Chapman University is a nationally ranked private university located in Southern California. Chapman is categorized by the Carnegie Classification as an R2 “high research activity” institution and offers personalized education to more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The campus has produced a Rhodes Scholar, been named a top producer of Fulbright Scholars, and hosts a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society. Based in the city of Orange, Chapman also includes the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine. In 2019, the university opened its 11th college, Fowler School of Engineering, in its newest facility, Keck Center for Science and Engineering. Learn more about Chapman University: www.chapman.edu.
Media Contacts:
Cerise Valenzuela Metzger, Director of Public Relations | cmetzger@chapman.edu | 714-289-3143
Carly Murphy, Public Relations Coordinator | carmurphy@chapman.edu | Desk: 714-289-3196 | Mobile: 714-497-9683
