Remembering Professor Thomas Schelling
Distinguished University Professor Thomas Schelling, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and a longtime faculty member in the Department of Economics and in the School of Public Policy, passed away on December 13, 2016 at the age of 95. He is survived by his wife, Alice, and by family and friends.
After serving for more than 20 years at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Professor Schelling joined the University of Maryland community in 1990. Fifteen years later, he won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences “for having enhanced our understanding of conflict and cooperation through game-theory analysis.” His theories had a tremendous impact on national and international policy, especially on American responses to the Cold War.
Professor Schelling was known around the world for his path-breaking research that resulted in him winning the Nobel Prize. His pioneering work on game theory helped us understand human conflict and human cooperation. But here at Maryland, he was known as a dedicated teacher, and as a generous colleague and friend.
“Tom Schelling was an outstanding economist who was a tremendous contributor to the Department of Economics as well as the School of Public Policy. He will be greatly missed by our community,” said Dean Greg Ball.
Professor Schelling was the author of numerous groundbreaking works on economics and public policy; through these works, his teaching and influence extended beyond his students to readers around the world.
"Hiring Tom Schelling was one of the best things our department has ever done. He was not only a remarkable economist, but also a superb colleague and a great man,” said Distinguished University Professor Maureen Cropper, chair of the Department of Economics.
Published on Wed, Dec 14, 2016 - 11:42AM