SMU has appointed Nobel Laureate Thomas J. Sargent as Distinguished Term Professor of Economics at SMU’s School of Economics (SOE) for a three-year term from January 1 2015. Professor Sargent is known for his research on co-ordinating monetary and fiscal policy, stabilising inflation and fighting unemployment. His studies are widely recognised as having changed both the field of economics and economic strategy, and influencing policy-making of central banks and governments world-wide. SOE Dean Professor Bryce Hool said in a statement on Wednesday that the appointment will "give our faculty and students an exceptional opportunity to interact with and learn from one of today's most influential economists."