University of Richmond Event Focuses on Unlocking Prosperity

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — University of Richmond President Kevin F. Hallock will welcome to campus on April 19 his former teacher Cecilia Rouse and his former student Michael Strain. Rouse is chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers and Strain is director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute.

They are speaking as part of the University’s Sharp Viewpoint Speaker Series, which brings together pairs of experts with opposing views to discuss current challenges. In a discussion moderated by Hallock, the speakers will discuss education, the labor market, inequality, and how to unlock prosperity.

Rouse, a leading scholar of the economics of education and labor markets, was confirmed by the Senate as the 30th Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, making her the first Black leader of C.E.A. in its 75-year history. In this role, she serves as President Biden’s chief economist and a member of the Cabinet. She is currently on leave from her role as the Katzman-Ernst Professor in the Economics of Education and Professor of Economics and Public Affairs at Princeton University, where Hallock earned his Ph.D. in economics.

Strain is the author of The American Dream Is Not Dead: (But Populism Could Kill It), which examines longer-term economic outcomes for workers and households. An economist, his research has been published in academic and policy journals, and he has edited or coedited four books on economics and public policy. His work has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and National Review, among other publications. When he was at Cornell University, Hallock advised Strain’s Ph.D. thesis.

“I know Ceci and Mike will do a terrific job of modeling constructive dialogue across political difference as we discuss the labor market, education, inequality, and prosperity,” Hallock said.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 4:30 p.m. in Camp Concert Hall. A reception will follow in Booth Lobby. The discussion will also be available via livestream at richmond.edu/sharp. Registration is required.

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