April 23, 2013. Dr. Todd L. Cherry, professor in the Department of Economics and director of the Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis at Appalachian State University, has been selected to be the Rasmuson Chair of Economics in the College of Business and Public Policy at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). The appointment is for the 2013-14 academic year.
The Rasmuson Chair was created with a $5 million endowment to bring UAA distinction and leadership in the study of economics and its relevance to Alaska’s future. The chair is an integral part of UAA’s research on environmental and energy issues that are vital to Alaska and the world.
Cherry’s primary activity will be collaborating with UAA researchers, interacting with students, and advising local and state policymakers. He is scheduled to give a public lecture to the Anchorage community and to visit remote communities to learn more about the people and natural resources of the state. Past appointees include Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith, with the most recent being Robert Kurzban of the University of Pennsylvania.
Cherry’s appointment coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Rasmuson Chair. Special activities and events will take place to celebrate the anniversary, including bringing back the scholars who have previously held the position.
Cherry is a senior research fellow at the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research – Oslo, which is affiliated with the University of Oslo. He currently serves as an advisor to the Mountain Resource Legislative Commission and previously served as an advisor to the NC Rural Economic Development Center. He previously was a faculty fellow at the Institution of Emerging Issues at N.C. State University.
Cherry’s research focuses on public policy issues related to environmental challenges, energy resources and climate change. His research has been funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation, Norwegian Research Council, Appalachian Regional Council and NC Rural Center, among others.