School of Business hosts leading voice in American economics Greg Mankiw

Professor of Economics at Harvard University Greg Mankiw, an author, teacher, and researcher, participated in a panel discussion during a Liberty University School of Business Convocation Select event on April 22.

Mankiw served in the White House as chairman of the U.S. president’s Council of Economic Advisors from 2003-2005.

Dean Dave Brat led the discussion, which addressed a wide variety of economic topics including self-interest, science, ethics, socialism, and the philosophy of economics. Mankiw also spoke on how he launched his fruitful career, which started with interests in math and astrophysics.

“We were truly thankful to have Professor Mankiw with us,” Brat said. “He loves education and loves students, and he is the leader on economic growth not only at Harvard but probably in the world right now, and so his mind and intellect were there for all to see and was just inspiring to our students.”

Mankiw, a graduate of Princeton University and MIT, has contributed to academic journals like American Economic Review and the Journal of Political Economy, as well as the New York Times, Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. He has authored multiple textbooks; “Principles of Economics,” his most notable, has sold millions and is translated into 20 languages. (Mankiw’s visit was made possible by Cengage, the book’s publisher).

The school’s business convocation also welcomed Denay Chagor, a governor in South Sudan, to open the event in prayer. Chagor’s visit was in coordination with the School of Business’ up and coming Africa Center, which will serve Liberty’s growing population of African students. Also, Mankiw’s most famous paper explains how poor nations can become rich. The average income in South Sudan is currently $300 per year per person. Economic growth has brought 2 billion people out of poverty in the last two decades. Brat encouraged Liberty students to consider these challenges as they discover and work out their calling.

“Jesus used business and money more than any other teaching tool in the Bible, and so now we are aiming all of that inspiration and power to help the least of these in Africa define paths out of poverty all in the name of our Lord,” Brat said. “What a great day. Thanks to all at Liberty who made this happen.”