Biden Nominates Princeton Professor To Economic Team

PRINCETON, NJ – President-elect Joe Biden has nominated Princeton Professor Cecilia Rouse, to chair the Council of Economic Advisers, according to the Biden administration's transition website.

Rouse is the dean of the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA).

If confirmed by the Senate, Rouse would be the first woman of color to chair the council. The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

The incoming administration’s transition website said Rouse is a “renowned labor economist with expertise centered in the economics of education and equality, she is an accomplished leader who has held prominent roles across academia and government service.”

Rouse is also a former member of the Obama-Biden Council of Economic Advisers. Earlier this year, she spearheaded an open letter, signed by dozens of economists, arguing for more action to stem the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

On Monday Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber congratulated Rouse in a public message, saying he "cannot imagine a better choice for the role."

Eisgruber said he will miss having Rouse at Princeton, as her new role will take to Washington.
"We appointed her as dean, however, partly because of her experience in Washington and her devotion to public service. We always knew that she might return there. I am proud that she has once again been called to serve our country, this time in one of its most important leadership roles," he said.

According to the Daily Princetonian, Rouse took public-service leave from the university beginning 1998 to 1999, to work in the Clinton White House’s National Economic Council.

Rouse received her Bachelor of Arts degree and her Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University. She joined the Princeton faculty in 1992.

In a message to the SPIA community earlier this month, Rouse congratulated alumni who ran for public office this year.

“To me, they embody Princeton’s informal motto: In Service to the Nation and Humanity. Many of these were close races. I am proud of each of them,” she said.

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.

This article originally appeared on the Princeton Patch