American Free Enterprise: A Beacon of Innovation and Freedom

"At Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), we believe in empowering students to unlock their future. That is why we're especially excited about the opening of PBA's Marshall and Vera Lea Business Hall-because it will inspire countless students, leaders, and community members to innovate, collaborate, and learn how to better serve their communities. In this article, Dr. Brian Strow shares how American free enterprise not only enables these actions-but also promotes human flourishing and creativity." -PBA President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn

American Free Enterprise: A Beacon of Innovation and Freedom

In 2026, we mark the 250th anniversary of two landmark works that shaped the modern world: An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith and the United States Declaration of Independence. Published in 1776, these works articulated powerful ideas about human freedom and flourishing.

In Wealth of Nations, Smith explained that voluntary exchanges between individuals create mutual benefit. When two people freely trade, both become better off. The more society allows such voluntary transactions, the more prosperity and human flourishing can grow.

That same year, America's founders declared that the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are not granted by governments but endowed by our Creator. These principles recognize the dignity and purpose of every individual.

Freedom Rooted in Purpose

From a Christian perspective, we believe that God created each person intentionally and for a purpose. Scripture calls us to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves. When people are free to pursue God's calling in their lives, they often serve others through their work, creativity, and enterprise. In this way, voluntary exchange becomes a powerful means of serving one another and creating widespread flourishing.

The free enterprise system has lifted more people out of poverty than any other economic system in history, according to the Adam Smith Institute. In fact, the United States continues to set records for economic output, producing more wealth (by GDP) than any nation has in any previous year. This prosperity is rooted in the principles of freedom, innovation, and voluntary cooperation.

Because these ideas matter so deeply, it is essential that each new generation understands the benefits of American free enterprise. At Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), we pursue this mission with conviction grounded in our love for God and our neighbors.

Cultivating Future Business Leaders

Within the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business, every student completes a course on American free enterprise. Our Raney Center for Free Enterprise Speaker Series regularly brings respected advocates of free markets and experienced entrepreneurs to campus to engage with students and the broader community.

Our new Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall features a dedicated Free Enterprise Reading Room filled with works by leading economists and business thinkers. A student book club encourages deeper engagement with the principles and practices of free enterprise.

The Rinker College of Business holds a distinction unique among institutions in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities: it is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world's most prestigious business school accreditation. Only about six percent of business schools around the world hold this recognition.

Our Christian faculty leverage these exceptional resources-including a stock trading lab equipped with Bloomberg terminals-to prepare students for lives of service and leadership. Their mission is not only to teach business skills but also to cultivate a Christ-centered vision for work.

At PBA, we do not treat business as something to repent of on Sundays. Instead, we recognize that most people are called to serve God through vocations outside of the church. Our mission is to equip students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly wherever they work or live.

By educating the whole person, we prepare graduates to participate in the free enterprise system with integrity-serving others and demonstrating Christ's love through their work in the marketplace.

Dr. Brian Strow is the dean of the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business and professor of economics. Prior to joining PBA in 2020, he taught at Western Kentucky University for 21 years. Dr. Strow has published multiple peer-reviewed articles, a book, think tank studies, and articles in the areas of macroeconomics, labor economics, economic history, economic education, and morality and public policy. He has also served as an economic advisor to multiple elected officials including a sitting U.S. Senator and a former U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives. He earned his bachelor's degree from Wheaton College and a master's and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.