Transcript of Yost Lough Interview
Interviewee
Edward Yost
Interviewer
Mallory Lough
Interview Date
2-14-2026
Description
This interview, conducted by Mallory Lough in February 2026, documents the life and career of Dr. Edward Yost, a retired professor from Ohio University’s College of Business. Dr. Yost grew up in rural Litchfield, Ohio, where he was part of a fourth-generation dairy farming family. After his family’s farm declined, he pursued higher education using the GI Bill, eventually earning a PhD in Business Administration. Mentorship played a key role in guiding him into academia. At Ohio University, where he spent over 30 years, Yost held numerous leadership roles, particularly in graduate and international business programs. He helped develop and manage MBA programs both domestically and internationally, including in Malaysia, China, India, and Brazil. He also contributed to corporate MBA programs tailored for specific companies, blending business education with global experience. Yost emphasizes that Ohio University significantly shaped his personal and professional identity, especially through its international focus and liberal academic environment. Over time, he observed major institutional changes: the university moved away from its “party school” reputation and became more academically and research-focused, with stronger student-centered learning. In the College of Business, Yost highlights a shift from traditional textbook instruction to problem-based, experiential learning, which better prepares students for real-world challenges. He believes this approach has influenced business education globally. He also discusses broader changes in higher education, including increased globalization, technological integration, and the impact of major events like COVID-19, which accelerated the transition to online learning. Yost reflects on the unique relationship between Ohio University and the surrounding Appalachian region, noting both the challenges of regional poverty and the university’s role in community development. Overall, he expresses optimism about the future of business education and Ohio University, emphasizing the continued importance of combining in-person experiences with technological innovation.
Keywords
Ohio University, Business, COVID-19, Business Administration, Leadership
Publication Date
Spring 2026
Interview Location
Athens, Ohio
Digital Publisher
Ohio University Libraries
Document Type
Oral History
Duration
00:46:48
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Yost, Edward and Lough, Mallory, "Oral History of Dr. Edward Yost, Conducted on February 14, 2026 By Mallory Lough" (2026). HIST 4798/5798: Recording Memory: Methods and Uses of Oral History. 23.
https://ohioopen.library.ohio.edu/hist4798/23