The Center for Free Enterprise at UofL

08/27/2026

Join us for the first of three events this fall focused on local economic development. On September 15, One Louisville CEO Trevor Pawl will lead a discussion with Lance Mann (Dean Dorton) and Matt Thornton (Thornton Capital) about how Louisville measures up to peer markets. The three will examine local opportunities for development, as well as barriers to growth.

The event is part of our Menard Family Lecture Series and is free & open to all. Registration is not required. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/ycxpbc3p.

08/25/2026

When CFE Director Steve Gohmann retired last month, we received an outpouring of messages from students, alumni, colleagues and former colleagues about their gratitude, admiration and respect for this incredible educator. Read more about Steve's career and enduring legacy at:

August 24, 2026 | Retired CFE Director Steve Gohmann Built Opportunity Through Exploration What do socialism-flavored beer, the cost of homelessness and markets amid drugs, drones and disasters have in common? Together, they reflect the broad scope of conversations hosted by the Center for Free Ente...

08/20/2026

Time is running out. Don't miss your opportunity to join a fall CFE reading group and all the fun of making new friends, discussing (free) books, dinners at local restaurants (on us!) and earning a scholarship at the end of the semester. Deadline to apply is Friday, 8/21 at 5 p.m.

More information and application at https://forms.gle/spPfxpjmFkDr3s4i8. Apply now! ⏳🕔



UofL College of Business

08/17/2026

We think CFE reading groups are kinda chic. More info and application at: https://forms.gle/EUs3vV9Sn3KN2gTx6
Deadline to apply is Friday, August 21 at 5 p.m.

08/14/2026

It was so much fun to meet Class of 2030 BizCards during the UofL College of Business open house today. We can’t wait to see everyone back on campus Monday!

07/31/2026

Today we are saying goodbye and happy retirement to CFE founder/director Steve Gohmann, who has spent his career as a Professor of Economics in the UofL College of Business for the past 38 years. Steve started the Center in 2015 with a generous gift from the John H. Schnatter Family Foundation and has continued to advance the original mission of the CFE with gifts from the Charles Koch Foundation, the Menard Family Initiative and the Craft Family Foundation. For the past 11 years Steve has been the face and heart of the Center. Under his direction, the CFE has sponsored more than 40 student reading groups, totaling more than 1000 student participants; hosted more than 50 large scale speaker events, featuring local, national and internationally recognized business figures; and has engaged in and promoted research that explores key philosophies of free enterprise. Steve continued to teach undergraduate and graduate level economics courses, and advised, counseled and mentored faculty and students at all levels, including students in UofL's entrepreneurship PhD program.

Steve's impact on students, the college, our university and the community can't be overstated. We are sad to see him go, but grateful for the legacy he leaves behind. We wish him and Myra a long and happy retirement!

07/04/2026

Happy Birthday America. Cheers to 250 years!

06/18/2026

CFE director Steve Gohmann recently had the opportunity to catch up with alums Bella Beilman and Julianna Sims. Bella (now with Dress for Success Louisville) and Julianna (Thumbprint Consulting), were active participants in CFE programming throughout their time at UofL. It's always great to see former students thriving and making lives better.

05/09/2026

Congratulations to our College of Business grads and the entire class! 🎓You may be moving on, but you'll always be a Cardinal. ❤️🖤Best of luck in your next chapter.

05/06/2026

Today we celebrate Center for Free Enterprise participant Janie Rowland who graduates from the University of Louisville this Saturday with her bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Janie originally joined the CFE reading group program to deepen her connection with other students, faculty and organizations on campus. Looking for an opportunity to learn and grow alongside her peers, she engaged in thoughtful discussions about books and the world around her. She said the conversations helped her learn more about economics, critical thinking and policy, and because of her involvement, she has begun to read and discover more on these topics. “It has motivated me to be a lifelong learner and contributor to a better society.”

During her time at UofL, Janie has also gained hands-on experience with The Bird’s Nest Agency, where she worked on social media and strategy planning for multiple clients. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi and the College of Business Student Council. Janie maintained an impressive 3.8-4.0 GPA throughout her college career, even while holding down jobs and her other extracurricular activities.

Janie said she is looking forward to her future, which includes working in social media and event management. She also plans to open a real estate media and marketing consultancy.

Great work Janie – congratulations!