Lara Gardner, Ph.D.

Dr. Gardner earned a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a specialization in health economics. Her research applies data analysis in two areas: health economics and technology use by businesses. She has published applied research articles in the Journal of Human Resources, Inquiry, Applied Economics, Labor Studies Journal and others.
Beyond academia, Dr. Gardner has provided data-driven consulting work for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Her contributions contributed to the policy decisions reflected in Louisiana House Bill 933 (2016) and House Bill 773 (2024). Dr. Gardner also served on the Medicare Subcommittee for the Louisiana State Senate to provide expertise on health care and policy evaluation.

At Southeastern, Dr. Gardner is committed to student success. She currently serves as a faculty advisor to Women in Business, a student organization dedicated to advancing professional development and leadership opportunities. She is also leading an initiative, sponsored by the Spencer Educational Foundation, to develop a risk management and insurance program at Southeastern. The goals of this initiative are to prepare students for careers in this critical and evolving field and to expand career pathways.

Dr. Gardner has taught many different courses at Southeastern and is currently teaching Managerial Economics and Healthcare Finance in the MBA programs, and Business Economics, Principles of Risk Management and Insurance, and Principles of Macroeconomics in the undergraduate program.

Dr. Lara Gardner's area of expertise includes Health Economics and Technology and Business Economics.