ANDERS T. VAN SANDT

Assistant Professor of Rural Economic Development, Colorado State University

BACKGROUND

Dr. Anders Van Sandt is an Assistant Professor of Rural Economic Development. He is located in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at Colorado State University. Dr. Van Sandt’s Extension and research efforts revolve around promoting economic development by exploring rural-urban linkages, diversification of local industries, entrepreneurship, and community and industry interdependencies. His current research agenda involves using restricted-access establishment-level data through Federal Statistical Research Data Centers to examine how healthcare consolidation influences rural health and economic outcomes. His professional affiliations include the Regional Science Association International and the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

Dr. Van Sandt has a B.A. in Economics from Linfield University and a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from Colorado State University. Before joining Colorado State University as faculty in 2025, he spent two years as a Postdoctoral Extension Associate at Texas A&M University, and five years as an Assistant Professor of Regional Economics at the University of Wyoming.

Dr. Van Sandt's interests in research, teaching, and Extension were shaped through his experiences growing up in rural Oregon. In his spare time he enjoys running, ultimate frisbee, backpacking, skiing, and reading a book at a local coffee shop or brewery.

CURRENT AND PAST EXPERIENCE

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Supporting Colorado's communities and industries through research driven Extension programs and projects using restricted access establishment-level data.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF REGIONAL ECONOMICS, UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

Supported Wyoming's communities and industries through research driven Extension programs and projects using restricted access establishment-level data. Specific topics included strengthening and expanding Wyoming's local food system and increasing healthcare access.

POSTDOCTORAL EXTENSION ASSOCIATE
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Organizing, manipulating, and analyzing establishment- and individual-level data to identify economic development opportunities and inform Extension programs for rural US communities.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Updated September 23rd, 2025

RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INTERESTS

REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

I apply regional economic theories to conduct empirical research using econometric models to promote sustainable economic growth in rural US communities. My research is guided by communicating with community and industry stakeholders, and my Extension programming is based on primary research. In addition to health business climates, I am interested in enhancing rural livability and reversing the trends of youth outmigration.