David Sjoquist Named To Dan E. Sweat Distinguished Chair At Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

June 23, 2003

Contact: David Sjoquist, 404-651-3995,sjoquist@gsu.edu

ATLANTA-- David L. Sjoquist, one of the country's leading voices in the field of public finance, has been appointed to the Dan E. Sweat Distinguished Chair in Educational and Community Policy at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University.

"It is hard to imagine the practice and study of public finance without the contributions of Dave Sjoquist, particularly in the State of Georgia," said Roy Bahl, Dean of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. "His work is significant in many ways. Dave Sjoquist not only gives his expertise to elected officials, governments and institutions -- he also clearly demonstrates the impact on citizens and their neighborhoods. He provides a refreshing outlook on public finance, always supported by the best data and recommendations."

A tireless advocate for Atlanta and the community he loved, Dan Sweat was a dedicated supporter and alumnus of Georgia State University. As a memorial to Dan Sweat's visionary leadership and commitment to learning in all forms, the university created the Dan E. Sweat Distinguished Chair in Educational and Community Policy.

"It is a privilege to hold a chair named after such an important community leader, and I am honored and humbled by the appointment," said Dr. Sjoquist. "Given the high regard with which Dan Sweat was held in the Atlanta area, an endowed chair in his memory brings great acclaim, both to our school and to the chair holder."

Dr. Sjoquist's work has addressed critical issues that reflect Dan Sweat's vision for Atlanta. "My research has targeted central city poverty, racial discrimination, education and public finance, which all are areas that Dan touched on in his career. The focus of my work has been the creation of a better community and more informed, and hopefully better, public policies. That is the spirit of what Dan Sweat was all about."

Still acknowledged as the consummate business leader, Dan E. Sweat helped Atlanta become the world-class city it is today. He was respected by city officials, corporate executives and urban planners -- all of whom knew who to call for the best advice and the most honest opinions. Whether serving a top adviser to Atlanta's mayor or as the legendary head of Central Atlanta Progress, Dan Sweat sought learning -- and teaching. Today, many of Atlanta's company presidents and civic leaders proudly recall their tutelage under Dan Sweat.

David L. Sjoquist is Professor of Economics, Director of Domestic Programs and Director of the Fiscal Research Program at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. He also has served as Executive Director of Research Atlanta and Executive Director of the Urban Study Institute.

Dr. Sjoquist is a specialist in the field of public finance and has an extensive interest in educational policy and urban economics. With an M.A. and Ph.D. in economics from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Sjoquist has more than 30 years of experience in higher education and has been published in more than 80 professional publications and has produced numerous reports. He currently serves on the board of the Atlanta Regional Commission.

For more information on Dr. Sjoquist and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, visit www. andrewyoungschool.org.

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