Lee Ohanian named director of the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty at Arizona State University

TEMPE, Ariz., June 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizona State University announces the appointment of Lee E. Ohanian as the director of the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty, and as a professor in the department of economics at the W. P. Carey School of Business. Ohanian is leaving his position as professor of economics at The University of California, Los Angeles. He will start at Arizona State University on July 1, 2017.

In his new position at ASU, Ohanian will provide ideas both for the university and the broader Arizona community about the civic and political importance of fundamental economic ideas, and new economic research about free markets. Ohanian is particularly known for his research on economic depression, past and present crises, recessions and economic policies that promote societal well-being.

"I am delighted to join ASU. President Crow and the ASU faculty, staff, and students have made this the most innovative university in the world, where new ideas are flourishing and are transforming society, and Dean Amy Hillman has built the W. P. Carey School into one of the leading business schools in the world," said Ohanian. "I am looking forward to joining a wonderful economics department, which includes my very good friend and Nobel Laureate, Ed Prescott, and to directing ASU's Center for the Study of Economic Liberty, where I will advance the core principle that free societies provide the most opportunities for all to succeed."

Lee Ohanian brings 25 years of award-winning teaching and research expertise to ASU, including work as a consultant to Federal Reserve Banks and Central Banks in other countries. He's been an economic advisor to various political campaigns on the state and national level. Ohanian's expertise on economic policy earned him invitations to testify before U.S. Senate committees and the California State Assembly.

"We pride ourselves on conducting groundbreaking research that has real-world relevance, and Lee Ohanian has spent his highly influential career doing just that," said Amy Hillman, dean of the W. P. Carey School. "Especially as the world finds it footing after a global economic collapse and deals with the growing pains of globalization and emerging policy changes, having a voice like Lee's within the W. P. Carey School will help us grow our reputation as a leader in business research."

The Center for the Study of Economic Liberty, founded in 2014, builds upon the university's legacy of innovation by serving students and the public through research, educational debates, and community outreach on the most pressing national and international economic policy issues.

"We're delighted to have such a prominent and energetic scholar joining us," said Paul Carrese, director of ASU's new School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, where CSEL will be incorporated. "Lee is an experienced bridge-builder and transdisciplinary thinker, who will stimulate learning across boundaries within ASU and also elevate understanding of economic issues in national policy debates." 

Ohanian received his doctorate from the University of Rochester in 1993. He's held faculty positions at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Minnesota, and has taught at UCLA since 1999. He holds research appointments with Stanford University and Arizona State University, in addition to being co-director of the research initiative "Macroeconomics across Time and Space" at the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Ohanian is a sought-after guest lecturer in the U.S. and abroad. His research has appeared in numerous academic journals and top business publications. He's also a columnist for national news magazines. Ohanian has written and co-authored three books, and has contributed to more than a dozen others.  

About the W. P. Carey School of Business
The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is one of the top ranked business schools in the United States. The school is internationally regarded for its research productivity and its distinguished faculty members, including a Nobel Prize winner. Students come from more than 100 countries and include over 50 National Merit Scholars. For more information, please visit www.wpcarey.asu.edu.

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SOURCE W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University