Dr. Stephen L. S. Smith, professor of economics at Hope College, has been named the Values & Capitalism Visiting Professor for the 2016–2017 academic year. In this position, which rotates annually (and was previously held by Dr. Gregory Thornbury), Dr. Smith will collaborate with V&C on campus events, project publications, and a number of other initiatives.
Dr. Smith, a specialist in international economics and economic development, is a new member of the faculty at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He previously taught at Middlebury College and at Gordon College, and in the fall of 2016 is serving his second stint as a visiting scholar at the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), this time with the research division of the ITC’s Office of Economics. He publishes widely in professional journals and is active in the Association of Christian Economists, whose journal, Faith & Economics, he edited for many years. A partner with AEI’s Values & Capitalism program since 2010, he co-authored Economic Growth: Unleashing the Potential of Human Flourishing (with Edd Noell and Bruce Webb), issued in the program’s mini-book series. He has also taught in the Values & Capitalism Summer Honors Program, most recently co-leading the seminar in International Economic Development and Microfinance. He earned his Ph.D. in economics at Stanford University, and his B.A. at Williams College with a double major in economics and religion.
With his visiting professor appointment, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with Dr. Smith. His scholarly expertise and helpful, nuanced voice on the compatibility of Christian faith and free enterprise will be an invaluable resource for V&C to draw from in the coming year.
