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Faculty/Staff

Faculty Spotlight

Paul Ratka

Education

  • Master of Arts, Economics
    University at Buffalo, Amherst, NY 2009
  • Bachelor of Arts, Adolescence Education: Social Studies (7-12) graduated Summa Cum Laude
    Daemen College Amherst NY 2008

Biography

Paul Ratka joined SUNY Niagara as a faculty member in September of 2012. He previously taught economics as an Adjunct Instructor at SUNY Fredonia from 2009 to 2012. He currently teaches principles of macro and micro economics in the Humanities & Social Sciences Division. His primary interest are in small business development and entrepreneurship. In 2014 Paul, along with Professor Ryan from the Business Department, became advisors for the newly created Entrepreneurship Club on campus. The Entrepreneurship Club has since hosted guest speakers from the business community as well as toured local businesses. In April 2014, The Entrepreneurship Club sponsored three student teams from SUNY Niagara to compete in The WNY Student 2 Biz Challenge. The Challenge was hosted by The University of Buffalo and consisted of a competition among 21 local colleges and universities to promote student entrepreneurship. Paul is currently working with students to participate in the coming 2015 competition. In addition, Paul is currently the faculty advisor for SUNY Niagara’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and is also helping to plan the WWII 70th Anniversary VE-Day Celebration on campus

A student entrepreneurship completion on campus is being setup with help of Professor Ryan, Paul, and the Entrepreneurship Club that is called ‘SUNY Niagara’s Wolf Tank’. It will be a play on the show Shark Tank but they will be have students pitch their business plans to local business owners. The competition is scheduled for November 19th. He is also working with the Liberal Arts Academy started by Matt Clarcq to improve students’ learning experience on campus.

Having owned and operated a small landscaping business called Always Greener since 2006, Paul and his brother started it as a way to pay their way through college. For fun Paul likes being outdoors, hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Paul Ratka

Contact

Economics Instructor

Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences – E-126
SUNY Niagara
3111 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, NY 14132
Phone: 716-614-6758
Email: pratka@niagaracc.suny.edu

Appointments and Awards

  • President’s Scholarship Daemen College, Dean’s Undergraduate
  • Research Grant Daemen College, Eagle Scout

Certifications

  • Dual certifications in NYS to teach Adolescence Education: Social Studies (7-12) Certification in Business and Marketing (7-12)

Professional Memberships

  • National Economic Association
  • New York State Economics Association

Research Interests / Areas of Expertise

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Small Business