The Journal of Private Enterprise 27(2), 2012, 121–143 121 The Future of Free Enterprise Leadership in Academe: A Survey J.R. Clark University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Ashley S. Harrison University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Bradley K. Hobbs Florida Gulf Coast University Abstract This paper provides findings from a survey of participants in professional academic organizations supportive of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and classical liberal ideals. We present data on the subset of respondents who do not currently hold, but aspire to hold, a chair or professorship in free enterprise or entrepreneurship. These scholars reveal their perspectives on a range of issues. Major sections of the survey included institutional information; individual demographics, including research productivity and outlets; perspectives on politics and economics; intellectual influences; and an assessment of connections to major think tanks and networks that support and inform the work of scholars in free enterprise and entrepreneurship. JEL Codes: A13, A14, P19 Keywords: Free enterprise; Entrepreneurship; Chair; Professorship I. Introduction Academic inquiry and scholarship covering free enterprise and entrepreneurship have grown significantly over the past two decades, and a number of new chairs and professorships have been established. Simultaneously, renewed interest is indicated by the growth in free enterprise–oriented academic organizations and support structures. This study specifically investigates the characteristics and academic work of those who aspire to obtain a chair or professorship in free enterprise and entrepreneurship. The intent of this research is to ascertain what steps these individuals are