Coastal Carolina University Research Economist Don Schunk has accepted a position with U.S. Bank at the company’s headquarters in Minneapolis and will be leaving CCU at the end of June. Schunk said he and his wife Tammy made the decision to return to their home state of Minnesota to be closer to aging relatives.

Schunk has been employed in the BB&T Center for Economic and Community Development in CCU’s Wall College of Business since January 2007. “Don Schunk’s research and economic forecasting has provided invaluable insight for business, industry and government on a local, state and regional level," said CCU President David A. DeCenzo. “His work has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the tremendous expertise we have on the CCU campus and specifically in the Wall College of Business. Don will be truly missed.”

During his time at CCU, Schunk led several key projects, most recently a study called the “Economic Impacts of Tourism on the Grand Strand,” the first full-scale analysis of the role that tourism plays in the broader Grand Strand economy. Schunk also developed studies on the economic impacts of I-73 and the Port of Georgetown, along with the monthly analyses of current state and local employment/unemployment data.

“Probably the most satisfying part of the job has been the opportunity to reach out to the broader community to help provide education and perspective on economic conditions, trends and issues,” said Schunk. “The support I've received from CCU and the Wall College has been tremendous, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to help move the University forward in its mission."