Chris Ruhm, Batten professor of public policy and economics and ranked among the top health economists globally, has received a Distinguished Fellow Award from the Southern Economic Association in recognition for his “substantial record of exceptional scholarly achievement and long-term involvement and service to the association.” 

This is SEA’s inaugural cohort of fellows, which includes all living past presidents of the association who are at least two years removed from office.

“It has been my honor to serve the Southern Economic Association over the last 20 years as it continues to expand its reach and impact in cutting-edge research around the globe, with real-world implications. I look forward to continuing to engage with SEA and its membership in the years to come,” said Ruhm, who was president for the 2017-2018 term.  

Charles Holt, professor of economics and public policy who served as SEA’s president for the 2001-02 term, also received the Distinguished Fellow Award. 

Established in Atlanta in 1923, SEA is one of the oldest economics associations in the U.S. The Southern Economic Journal began publication in 1933 and is the eighth oldest American scholarly journal in economics. While its early years were focused on the South, today its membership and participation in its annual conference draws thousands of economists from more than 94 nations.

SEA’s mission is to further the education of scholars and the public in economic affairs by disseminating results of cutting-edge research in theory and applied economics, and its membership represents a wide range of economic research with scholars from around the world.