National Economic Association
Promoting Economic Growth

 
 
 

Bernard E. Anderson
Assistant Secretary for the Employment Standards Administration
United States Department of Labor

Dr. Bernard E. Anderson

Education:
B.A., Economics, Livingstone College, Highest Honors; M.A., Economics, Michigan State University; Ph.D., Business and Applied Economics, University of Pennsylvania; Honorary L.H.D. degrees, Shaw University, and Livingstone College

Q: How did you become interested in economics?

A: While growing up in Philadelphia, PA, I became interested in the visible differences between the quality of life in the black and white communities, and wanted to know what explained such differences. When I expressed this interest to a counselor during my freshman year in college, she suggested that the study of economics would likely provide the answers I sought. Through undergraduate studies at Livingstone College, and graduate studies at Michigan State University and the University of Pennsylvania, I discovered that the received teachings of economics provided only a partial answer to the question, but I found economics an interesting and intellectually challenging field. I was also strongly encouraged in my studies by Dr. Andrew F. Brimmer, Dr. Alfred L. Edwards, and later colleagues, Dr. Marcus Alexis, Dr. Robert Browne, Dr. David Swinton, Dr. James A. Harris, and Dr. Thomas Sowell. My interest in economics also was greatly encouraged by the late Dr. Phyllis A. Wallace of MIT.

Q: What have been the major highlights of your career?

A:

  • Employed as Labor Economist, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, D.C. (1963)
  • Graduate student, University of Pennsylvania(1965-69)
  • Appointed Assistant Professor of Industry, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; only the second African-American to serve on the Wharton School faculty. The first was former professor Andrew F. Brimmer. (1969)
  • Promoted to Associate Professor, with tenure. First African-American to be awarded tenure by the Wharton School faculty. Had written three books, seven journal articles, and monographs; widely quoted in print and electronic media on the youth unemployment issue by time of promotion. (1975)
  • Represented U.S. Information Agency as lecturer and economic advisor to Brazil. (1977)
  • Promoted to full Professor. (1978)
  • Took leave from University of Pennsylvania to accept appointment as Director, Social Sciences, the Rockefeller Foundation, New York. Budget, $11 million per year, in grantmaking for domestic and international programs in economic development, leadership development, and civil rights. Traveled widely on foundation business in Brazil, Italy, Thailand, Indonesia, Kenya, Senegal, Mexico, as well as within the U.S. Major Lasting Foundation program initiative developed during tenure: Minority Female Single Parent Program - a job training and support service project in four cities designed to test the feasibility of helping low-income, mainly welfare women make the transition from welfare to work. (1979)
  • Organized the Black Enterprise Board of Economists for Earl Graves, Publisher and Editor of Black Enterprise Magazine. Wrote column for Magazine until entry into public service in 1993. Also, elected member of board of trustees, and Chairman, Finance Committee of alma mater, Livingstone College, Salisbury, N.C. (1980)
  • Visiting Fellow, Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University. Worked with Sir Arthur Lewison project to study urban workforce transformation in developing nations of East Africa. (1985)
  • Appointed Managing Partner, Urban Affairs Partnership, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. First black CEO of major private sector civic organization in Philadelphia. (1987)
  • Elected Chairman, Board of Trustees, Lincoln University (PA.). (1989)
  • Appointed by Governor Robert P. Casey (D-PA) to be Chairman of Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, the fiscal oversight board for Philadelphia. Led effort to develop sound fiscal management practices and to balance City budget. Sold $1.2 billion in bonds to retire the accumulated deficit, support capital improvements in infrastructure, and promote productivity improvement. Cited by editorial board of Philadelphia Inquirer, the City's major newspaper, for successful effort to restore the City's fiscal health. (1991)
  • Appointed by President Bill Clinton to be Assistant Secretary of Labor. Head of Employment Standards Administration, the Department of Labor's largest agency, which includes 1) Wage and Hour Division; 1) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs; 3) Office of Workers Compensation Programs; and 4) Office of Labor Management Services. (1993)

    • Q: What insights do you have for those considering a career in economics?

    A: I believe economists, especially those of African American heritage, should be committed to the search for ways to reduce economic inequality in American life. That means learning and mastering the tools of economic analysis, and contributing to the debate over policies to achieve equal opportunity. Career opportunities in academia are important, but African-American economists also should seek opportunities in public service and the private sector. They should participate fully in all professional associations, such as the National Economic Association, and others. But also reach out to social betterment organizations, like the civil rights groups, to share knowledge and experience as economists to help illuminate economic issues for other professionals, and for the community at large.

    Bernard Anderson
    Assistant Secretary for the Employment Standards Administration
    U.S. Department of Labor
    Francis Perkins Bldg.
    200 Constitution Ave, NW
    Washington, DC 20210