Steven Fazzari

Steve Fazzari’s widely cited research explores two main areas:  the link between macroeconomic activity and finance, particularly the financial determinants of investment spending, and the foundations of Keynesian macroeconomics.  His perspectives on the causes and consequences of the Great Recession, the macroeconomic effects of rising income inequality, financial instability, deficit reduction, and capital gains taxation have been highlighted in the national and international press.

Fazzari teaches macroeconomics.  He received teaching awards from the Council of Students of Arts and Sciences, the Inter-Fraternity Council, the Washington University Alumni Class of 1989, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Fazzari was particularly honored to receive the a 2003 Missouri Governor’s Award for excellence in teaching and a 2007 Distinguished Faculty Award from Washington University. He was installed as the Bert A. and Jeanette L. Lynch Distinguished Professor of Economics on April 21, 2014.

Fazzari has served in many administrative roles including chair of the Department of Economics (1999-2005), the Academic Planning Committee of Arts and Sciences (2006-2010; 2013-2015) and the Arts and Sciences Personnel Advisory Committee (2010-2013). He was the associate director of the Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government, and Public Policy for 10 years before serving two years as Director of the Center (2020-2022).

From 2014 through 2019, Fazzari served as the inaugural chair of the new Department of Sociology re-established at Washington University after an absence of nearly 30 years. The Department grew quickly to become an integral part of Arts & Sciences and Washington University. More information about Sociology can be found here where Fazzari retains a joint appointment as Professor. In recognition of he contributions to Sociology, Fazzari was honored to be nominated by his colleagues and chosen by the Dean to receive the 2019 Arts & Sciences academic leadership award.