Kent Dolezal

Senior Lecturer in Economics

Dr. Kent Dolezal is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at Vanderbilt University, where he teaches intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, strategic analysis, and sports economics. His classes emphasize applying economic ideas to real-world issues in sports, public policy, and organizational strategy.

Since joining Vanderbilt in 2016, Dolezal has been an active mentor and adviser, working closely with students on Immersion Vanderbilt projects, honors projects, and independent studies. He is an Immersion Faculty Fellow, contributes to the College of Arts & Science Core curriculum, and takes an active interest in the first-year experience, serving as a Faculty VUceptor to help new students build community and find their footing at Vanderbilt.

Before coming to Vanderbilt, he taught at Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville and Lindenwood University after an earlier career as a high-school math and theater teacher. Dolezal holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, where his research examined the role of mentoring in undergraduate success, and an M.P.A. from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

A Vanderbilt football season-ticket holder since 2023, Dolezal enjoys attending a wide range of Commodore events—including other athletic competitions, student theater productions, and performances at the Blair School of Music. He values the opportunity to support students both in the classroom and across their broader campus lives.