St. Thomas University News

Public Policy and Economics Leader Appointed Dean of St. Thomas University School of Business

MIAMI, July 2 PRNewswire-USNewswire — St. Thomas University President, Monsignor Franklyn M. Casale, announced today the appointment of former United States Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs J. Antonio Villamil as the new Dean of the School of Business effective August 1, 2008.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080702/DC26750 )

Mr. Villamil's leadership qualities and globally recognized expertise in economics, public policy and international trade transcend both the government and private sectors. He served with distinction as United States Under Secretary for Economic Affairs and Chief Economist of the United States Department of Commerce during 1989-1993, being the first Cuban American at the time to become Under Secretary of Commerce for the nation. Most recently, he served as Chairman of the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors of Florida.

Since returning to the private sector in June 2000, Tony is the Chief Executive Officer of The Washington Economics Group (WEG), a Coral Gables based, well established economic and financial advisor firm that he created in 1993. He will remain a senior consultant to the WEG, providing consulting services to Florida and Latin America (government and multinationals) while working as STU Dean. "St. Thomas University is a leader in ethical business education," he says. "I see my job as a very close working relationship with STU faculty and students. In providing strategic direction to the School, I plan to maximize the faculty's strengths in teaching, research and outreach to the South Florida as well as the global community."

Tony also served as Director of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development for Florida. "For years Tony and I have discussed many times a way that he could help St. Thomas University continue its progress as a leader in higher education. With the establishment of our new School of Business, the fit was perfect. Tony is an international leader in business and economics. We are fortunate to have him," says Monsignor Casale.

Tony's cumulative professional and community activities include serving as Senior Research Fellow, Florida Tax Watch and Vice-Chair of The Council of Economic Advisors; Member of the Board of Directors of Enterprise Florida and Economic Advisor to the constitutionally mandated Tax and Budget Reform Commission of Florida. "Although he is a globally recognized leader in economics, Tony will be characterized by a friendly, down-to-earth, accessible camaraderie with his fellow faculty members," says St. Thomas University Provost Gregory Chan.

Villamil received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Economics from Louisiana State University, where he completed doctoral course work. In 1991, he was awarded a Doctor of Science degree in Economics (hc) by FIU for "distinguished contributions to the Nation in the field of economics." An extensive list of publications in academic journals, books and university publications includes the journal of Public Policy, Institute of Public Policy, Ana G. Mendez University System (Puerto Rico); "Democratic Conditions in Guatemala and their Socio-Economic Impacts," Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs; Florida Trend and University of Miami's Center for Hemispheric Policy.

"Tony Villamil was not only the Commerce Department's Chief Economist in the George Herbert Walker Bush administration, "Bush 41," he was in essence the Chief Economist for the entire U.S. Government at the time. He did an outstanding job and made a major contribution to his country and then after that did similar work for Governor Jeb Bush and made a major contribution to Florida. I'm delighted to hear he is becoming an important addition to St. Thomas University," says Former United States Secretary of Commerce

Robert A. Mosbacher. For additional information or interviews, please contact Marivi Prado, Chief Marketing Officer, St. Thomas University, at mprado@stu.edu, 305.474.6880 or cellular 305.205.2656.

SOURCE St. Thomas University

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