Kerwin K. Charles, an expert in labor and applied microeconomics, has been named interim dean of the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.
President Robert J. Zimmer announced Charles’ appointment in a letter to Harris faculty on April 27, noting that his appointment will ensure that the positive trajectory of Harris continues during the search for the next dean. Charles’ appointment as interim dean is effective July 1, 2016.
Charles, who joined the Harris faculty in 2006, is currently deputy dean of Harris and the Edwin A. and Betty L. Bergman Distinguished Service Professor. His research topics include racial and gender discrimination in market earnings; the propagation of wealth and earnings across different generations within a family; the effects of sectoral shocks in the economy on college attainment, occupational choice, and labor market participation; how adverse health shocks affect family stability and labor supply; and differences in visible consumption across different racial and ethnic groups. Charles serves as a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.
"Kerwin has long been an outstanding leader and passionate supporter of Harris," says Daniel Diermeier, Emmett Dedmon Professor and current dean of Harris. "His acceptance of the interim dean position helps ensure a continuation of the strong momentum we have built over the past two years."
Charles succeeds Diermeier, who will begin his new role as Provost of the University starting July 1.
