Arnold Weber

Arnold Weber was recognized among the nation’s leading labor economists before he went on to become dean of the Tepper School of Business and provost for Carnegie Mellon University, president of the University of Colorado, and ultimately president of Northwestern University. At Northwestern, he was credited with transforming the school both financially and academically and strengthening schools and departments across the institution.

Raised in the Bronx, NY, Weber received his undergraduate degree in economics in 1950 and a master’s degree in industrial relations in 1952 from the University of Illinois before earning a Ph.D. in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under advisor George Schulz, a cabinet member under three U.S. presidents.

Weber taught briefly at MIT before he followed Schulz to the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. In 1973, Weber began his career in administration as dean of the Tepper School, becoming provost and professor of economics and public policy for the university from 1977–1980, before leaving for the University of Colorado.

Weber was also highly involved in government and public administration. His positions included associate director of the Office of Management and Budget, executive director of the Cost of Living Council during the wage and price freeze, economic consultant to the Secretary of the Treasury, and a member of the Economic Advisory Committee to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

Among his honors, Weber was a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He authored eight books as well as numerous articles on economic policy, industrial and labor relations, and higher education, and received honorary degrees from numerous universities.

He received the 1990 Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Illinois Alumni Association and was awarded the Order of Lincoln, the highest recognition given by the state of Illinois.