News Release

Photo note: To download photo of Brennan, see end of release.

By SCOTT RAGLAND
Office of Development

CHAPEL HILL -- Geoffrey Brennan, an economist with research interests in political philosophy and policy analysis from Australia, has been named the first Nannerl O. Keohane Distinguished Visiting Professorship at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University.

Brennan is a professor in the Social and Political Theory group in the Research School of Social Science at Australian National University in Canberra. He is well known for his work in public choice theory, welfare economics, public finance and political philosophy.

Brennan will spend the spring 2005 semester splitting his time between Carolina and Duke, teaching two classes and working with faculty on both campuses to develop a cross-campus undergraduate Program in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

"We’re thrilled to have Dr. Brennan coming to Carolina," said Robert Shelton, executive vice chancellor and provost at UNC-Chapel Hill. "The expertise he’ll bring to our campus will enrich not only our students’ experience, but the entire university community. We also look forward to hearing his ideas on how we can work even more closely with our colleagues in Durham."

Peter Lange, Duke provost, echoed that sentiment.

"We are delighted -- as I am sure Nan would be as well -- at this choice," Lange said. "With his varied interests in economics, politics, tax reform and other policy arenas, Geoffrey Brennan will bring a fresh perspective to our campuses that should mesh extremely well with the faculties of both schools and be well received by our students."

Educated at Australian National University, Brennan has held posts in Virginia -- at George Mason University and Virginia Tech -- as well as in Canadian and British universities.

Brennan boasts a long list of publication credits, including several books and numerous articles. He also serves on the editorial boards for several scholarly journals and edits "Economics & Philosophy." His academic honors include membership in the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia.

The Nannerl O. Keohane Distinguished Visiting Professorship was created last spring as a way to honor the former Duke president’s contributions toward advancing collaboration between Carolina and Duke.

Keohane retired June 30, 2004, after 11 years at Duke. During her tenure, she helped launch the Robertson Scholars Program in which scholarship recipients study at both universities; the Rotary Center for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution; and the Institute for Renaissance Computing, based in Chapel Hill with support from Duke and N.C. State University.

Half of the $3 million needed to create the professorship bearing Keohane’s name was pledged as a challenge by Carolina graduate Julian Robertson and his wife Josie of New York, who also funded the Robertson Scholars Program. The William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust provided the remaining $1.5 million. The trust has been among Carolina's most generous benefactors and has also supported the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke.

"We’re very fortunate to have such generous benefactors," Shelton said. "They recognize that partnerships between institutions of the quality of Carolina and Duke can only lead to good things for everyone involved."

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Photo URL: http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/faculty/brennan_geoffrey.jpg

News Services contact: Mike McFarland, 919-962-8593