Eric Deaton teaches Business Analytics, which builds on an elementary statistics course to give students the tools they need to succeed in entry-level positions in any department of a business, including marketing, operations and human resources. He introduced this course at Hope College in 2015 after retiring from a career in consumer research and strategy in the food and food service industry for companies including The Coca-Cola Company, Kraft Foods Inc. (now The Kraft Heinz Company) and the restaurant consulting firm the HAVI Group.
His course gives students hands-on experience with tools used in the business world, including the IT software Tableau. A big believer in the liberal arts as a strong foundation for a career, he works closely with students to help them secure jobs after college.
Eric also teaches user-centered design at Illinois Institute of Technology and provides consulting services to businesses and nonprofit groups including McDonald’s, the HAVI Group and Chicago’s Morton Arboretum.
areas of expertise
- Descriptive analytics including data visualization
- Forecasting and predictive analytics
- Optimization and prescriptive analytics
- Information technology including Tableau and SAS
education
- M.A., measurement and statistics, University of Iowa, 1981
- B.A., psychology, Hope College, 1976
outside the college
Eric hits for the cycle at Hope College: he is an alumnus, an employee and a Hope parent. (His daughter is a graduate.) He splits his time between the Chicago area and a cottage in Michigan, where he enjoys sailing.
