Ross Emmett

Ross B. Emmett is a prominent academic figure currently serving as the Director of the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty at Arizona State University (ASU) and a Professor of Economic Thought within the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership. He has been in this role since February 2018, following his tenure at Michigan State University where he held various positions including Professor of Political Economy and Political Theory at James Madison College.1 2

Academic Background

Emmett earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Manitoba, Canada, and holds an International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) from the University of South Carolina. His undergraduate degree is in History from Old Dominion University.2 3

Research Interests

His research primarily focuses on:

Economic Liberty: Exploring its philosophy, history, and policy implications.
Politics, Philosophy, and Economics: Investigating the intersections of these fields.
Constitutional Political Economy: Analyzing economic systems through a constitutional lens.
History of Economic Thought: Particularly classical economics and the Chicago School, with an emphasis on figures like Adam Smith and Frank H. Knight.2

Publications and Contributions

Emmett has contributed significantly to economic literature, including books and articles on topics such as Chicago economics, economic historiography, and the relationship between religion and economics. Notable works include "Frank Knight & the Chicago School in American Economics" and various essays addressing economic crises throughout history.1 2

Personal Background

Born in 1957 in Boston and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Emmett has had a diverse educational journey that reflects his broad interests in economics, history, and linguistics. He initially pursued linguistics before shifting his focus to economics during his academic career.2 3

Through his leadership at ASU's Center for the Study of Economic Liberty, Emmett aims to foster research and dialogue on issues related to economic freedom and its role in society.