Clifton R. Wharton, Jr.
Dr. Wharton holds a place of distinction in the profession for his combination of executive and in-the-field experience. His upbringing in the home of his diplomat father is reflected in his education - an undergraduate degree in history from Harvard, studies in international affairs at Johns Hopkins University and work in economics at the University of Chicago. As an economist with the American International Association for Economic and Social Development (1948-53), he worked on economic issues specific to Latin American countries. From 1958 to 1964 he directed the work of the Agricultural Development Council in Southeast Asia. He later moved into leadership positions on the Development Council, broadening his scope to examine economic issues affecting less-developed nations around the world. He has since occupied executive positions in academia, becoming president of Michigan State University in 1970 and the first African American to head an 1862 Land Grant University. In 1978, Dr. Wharton became chancellor of the State University of New York system, the largest university system in the country. He served as the chair of the presidentially appointed Board for International Food and Agricultural Development from 1976 to 1983 and as the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, the number two position in the U.S. State Department. From 1987 to 1993, Dr. Wharton served as chairman and CEO of TIAA-CREF, the world's largest retirement system.
Dr. Wharton has been awarded honorary doctorates from 63 universities since 1970 and has served as trustee or director of more than 26 business corporations and public affairs associations since 1967. He has authored/edited four books and monographs and more than 50 professional journal articles. He was named a fellow of the AAEA in 1988.