Creating a global classroom

Oct. 14, 2024
Contact: Eric Stann, 573-882-3346, [email protected]
Photos courtesy George and Tabitha Chikhladze

Traveling the world brings out the self-described "econ nerds" in University of Missouri economics professors George and Tabitha Chikhladze. During their trips abroad, the couple enjoys spirited debates about economics - including figuring out the purchasing power of different currencies, how local markets set prices and what policies set a country's income levels and interest rates.

And it's not just all fun and games: The Chikhladzes bring their global perspective back home to the students in their classes at Mizzou.

Helping students discover their passion

Economics isn't just about numbers; it's the language of the world. Tabitha Chikhladze teaches principles in microeconomics, dissecting individual choices and market dynamics. George Chikhladze teaches principles in macroeconomics, looking at the big picture to understand how economies work together. Their combined expertise equips Mizzou students with a powerful toolkit that prepares them for in-demand careers in finance, consulting, government and international development.

James Hamill, a junior from St. Louis, has taken several classes taught by the Chikhladzes and knows firsthand how their enthusiasm for economics excites and engages Mizzou students.

"I didn't originally start out as an economics major," Hamill said. "Toward the end of my first class with Tabitha, I remember her saying that if we found her class to be interesting, we should consider adding economics as a major. I performed strongly in that class, and thought it was interesting, so that afternoon I emailed my advisor, and I've been an economics major ever since."

Recently, Hamill put the knowledge gained from the Chikhladzes' classes to good use when he visited a former roommate in the exchange student's home country of Sweden.

"We had just learned about exchange rates and foreign markets in George's class the week before, so being able to go over to Sweden and experience it first-hand was a great, real-life experience," Hamill said. "And I felt more comfortable while I was over there because I knew about how all of the different exchange rates worked."

A two-way impact

What Hamill appreciates most about the professors is their shared willingness to help their students in office hours.

"I could be taking microeconomics with Tabitha, but if George has a different way of explaining a topic, he's happy to help provide his view, too," Hamill said. "Since their offices are located next to each other, sometimes I can get two different perspectives at once."

Teaching at Mizzou allows the Chikhladzes to combine their passion for economics with the satisfaction of inspiring future generations. For them, the ultimate reward is seeing their current and former students thrive.

"We're proud when we can make a difference in a student's life at Mizzou, whether that's discovering a passion for economics or exploring future career options in the field," Tabitha Chikhladze said. "We also value how our students make an impact on our lives by helping us think about subjects in new ways, which helps us grow professionally and personally."

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