Division for Regional Economic Assessment and Modeling (DREAM)

EKU's Division for Regional Economic Assessment and Modeling (DREAM) is built on the premise that all communities, regardless of budgets or resources, deserve access to high-quality economic and social research. 

DREAM was founded by Dr. James Maples and Dr. Michael Bradley in 2020 and funded by EKU's Board of Regents Innovation Fund to provide affordable economic impact studies, feasibility studies, needs assessments, program assessments, marketing/customer surveys and more to all communities throughout Eastern Kentucky, Central Appalachia, and beyond the Commonwealth. 

DREAM's Founding Director, Dr. James Maples, has conducted nearly seventy economic impact studies across the nation and is an expert in the economic impact of outdoor recreation. His previous research in places like Kentucky's Red River Gorge and West Virginia's New River Gorge supported positive and exciting economic policy and growth through accessible data and affordable research. Likewise, DREAM's affiliated faculty are each experts in their field ready to help your community today. 

If you are interested in discussing a potential study, DREAM would like to help you! Contact Dr. Maples with questions and ideas at james.maples@eku.edu.