February 12, 2013

Fred Smith, Professor of Economics

For more information on Professor Smith's academic achievements, visit this site.

Q: What aspect of teaching at Davidson do you most appreciate?

A: There are a lot of things to love about being on the faculty at Davidson, but nothing can possibly beat getting to work with incredibly talented, thoughtful, and passionate students. I am especially appreciative of Davidson students' willingness to try to improve the world around us once they leave the college. I marvel at how many of my former students have gone on to teach or to coach or to produce meaningful research, but I am equally impressed by what great people Davidson students are.

Q: What are your current academic pursuits outside the classroom?

A: My current research project looks at how access to ferries, elevated train lines, and the Brooklyn Bridge affected land values in 19th century Manhattan. I'm also very excited that I will teaching a non-Davidson class for "Davidson Learns." The class for the general public will meet six times later this spring, and it will have the Cornelson Distinguished Lecture -- given this year by Daron Acemoglu on April 24 -- as its centerpiece.

Q: What's your favorite student event?
A: I love going to Davidson athletic events, but I also enjoy attending theater, dance, and music performances when I have the time. I am always impressed by the success of Warner Hall's Red and Black Ball, and I love attending the festival hosted by the international students during family weekend in the fall.
Q: What's your favorite extracurricular activity?
A: I get up to Asheville as often as I can. And, I travel as often as my schedule will permit.
Q: What courses have you created?
A: "Urban Economics" and "Sports Economics" are the two courses I've developed that I teach the most frequently. I am in the process of developing a new economic history course that will look at how entrepreneurship affects long-run economic growth.

Q: What's your favorite non-academic book?
A: My two current favorites are Rushdie's Shalimar the Clown and McCann's Let the Great World Spin.

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