Smiley Economic History Fellowship

“I'm delighted to be a part of the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations fellowship program. These young scholars will be studying the role of broad-based employee ownership in our free market economic system.  Rutgers’ initiative is an important step into the future of scholarship in this area.” – Robert W. Smiley, Jr.

The Smiley Fellowships were established through a gift from Robert W. Smiley, Jr., through the auspices of the Employee Ownership Foundation, to encourage the study of significant issues related to broad-based employee ownership in American history. Mr. Smiley is founder, chair and managing director of The Benefit Capital Companies, Inc.

Program Award and Details

The Smiley Fellowships provide research stipends and support to young scholars studying the history/economic history of broad-based employee ownership. There are two fellowships: one in the area of history, another in economic history, and both are available to support pre- or postdoctoral research.  The fellowships would permit the scholars to conduct their own work and also associate with several faculty members at Rutgers engaged in this area of research and receive mentoring and support. The fellows will be part of the network facilitated by the School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers University, but is not required to be in residence at Rutgers.

The fellows may be supported at their home institution or may be in residence at Rutgers University with the period and length of residency varying between July 1 and June 30 of the academic year.  The fellows will receive stipends of $5,000 or $10,000, that can be used for research, travel, or living expenses.