UNH Today

Andrew Houtenville, a distinguished scholar and professor of economics, has been named the fourth director of the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire.

Since 2009, Houtenville has served as research director for the IOD, one of the university's largest research institutes with more than 87 active grants and contracts. As research director, Houtenville has guided the national conversation around the economic and social inclusion of people with disabilities.

With an extensive background in the economics of disability, measurement of disability, labor economics and applied econometrics, he has authored numerous publications and successfully guided efforts to safeguard the community participation of people with disabilities. Notably, he founded the IOD’s Center for Research on Disability, a nationally trusted source for statistics on the participation of people with disabilities, examining critical topics like employment, public programs, health, transportation, education and more.

"Having served with distinction as the IOD's research director for over 15 years, Andrew will bring tremendous experience and a demonstrated excellence in advancing disability inclusion to his new role,” says Kirsten Corazzini, dean of the College of Health and Human Services. “His deep expertise in disability research will be a tremendous asset to our college and I am looking forward to working with him in advancing excellence within the IOD and CHHS."

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Houtenville brings a personal understanding of disability that shapes his passion for this work. He is open about his experience with mental health and neurocognitive differences.

"The IOD has long been a leader in disability inclusion. It is a tremendous honor to take on this role and help continue the good work by all the wonderful people at the IOD,” Houtenville says. “I look forward to advancing a vision where disability inclusion is an everyday reality."

Before his time at the IOD, Houtenville served as a senior research associate at Cornell University and New Editions Consulting in McLean, Virginia. Houtenville earned his bachelor's degree in economics at the Richard Stockton College, then his master's and Ph.D. in economics at UNH. As an applied microeconomist, he also teaches advanced econometrics at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

One of Houtenville's priorities as director will be meeting with community partners to strengthen collaborations and identify opportunities for shared growth and impact. His focus on engagement reflects the IOD's commitment to fostering inclusive practices and policies that benefit people with disabilities.