Alan Spell is currently Assistant Extension Professor for the Division of Applied Social Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at University of Missouri.

Alan previously managed a research team at the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), within the state’s economic and workforce development department. Alan and his staff provided economic, industry, and labor analysis to assist policymakers and the public. The center has been recognized with 13 national awards for research excellence since it was formed back in 2001.

Alan has worked in economic development since 1995 in various roles to include site selection, land planning, spatial analysis, impact modeling, and industry research. In addition to traditional economic development activities, Alan’s team manages the state’s Workforce Information Grant to deliver career and occupational information to a wide variety of stakeholders. Their most recent activities include labor supply and demand studies as well as developing a web-based college scorecard in partnership with the state’s community colleges.

Alan holds degrees in Economics and Landscape Architecture, as well as certification as a Community Researcher.