Stony Brook hires Kathleen McGarry to lead economics department

Stony Brook University has hired welfare economist Kathleen McGarry to lead its economics department.

She will join the institution this summer to take up the Thomas Muench endowed chair of economics.

McGarry is currently a professor of economics at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), where her research focuses on the well-being of the elderly, including issues relating to the provision of long-term care. She is also a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.

In the new role at Stony Brook, the economist will be tasked with increasing the visibility and academic reputation of the university’s department of economics.

She received a BS in mathematics with a double major in economics, as well as a Ph.D. in economics from Stony Brook.

Commenting on the appointment, McGarry said: “I’m excited about the new leadership at Stony Brook and thrilled to be part of its next chapter. I expect economics to play an important role in helping to advance the University’s mission.” 

She said: “One of my goals is to work with the department to encourage more women and underrepresented minorities to enter the field, and that needs to start with our undergraduate program. McGarry added: “We then can work to establish a pathway for students to make the transition from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD.”

Stony Brook Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Carl Lejuez said: “ [McGarry] brings a compelling combination of experiences as an alum of Stony Brook, a renowned scholar, and a highly effective department chair.”