by Ella Smith, Student Public Relations Writer
Dr. Arthur Laffer, a renowned economist known as the “father of supply-side economics,” will speak at Cedarville University on Tuesday, March 18. His presentation will focus on the impact of tax policy and his well-known theory, the Laffer Curve.
The event, organized in partnership with the Young America’s Foundation, is part of Cedarville’s distinguished speaker’s series under the Berry Center for Free Enterprise. Through this initiative, Cedarville promotes innovation, stewardship and free-market principles. The lecture, which is open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. in the Scharnberg Business and Communication Center auditorium.
“Laffer is an influential person in the world of economics and politics. His ideas have been and will continue to be a large part of the debates in this new presidential administration,” said Dr. Jeff Haymond, director of the Berry Center for Free Enterprise. “We want to expose our students to top leaders across a variety of topics, helping them learn about these topics beyond short news clips and headlines.”
Laffer, an Ohio native who grew up in Youngstown, earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University before obtaining an MBA and a doctorate from Stanford University. He became the youngest tenured professor at the University of Chicago and later taught at the University of Southern California and Pepperdine University.
His influence in economic policy began in the 1970s, when he served as the chief economist under former Treasury Secretary George Shultz. In 1974, during a meeting with White House officials Don Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney, Laffer famously sketched his Laffer Curve on a napkin, illustrating his theory that lowering tax rates could increase government revenue. The concept later played a key role in shaping President Ronald Reagan’s economic policies.
Laffer served as Reagan’s top economic advisor and a member of the Economic Power Advisory Board for both of his terms. His influence extended internationally as well, advising British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on fiscal policy in the 1980s.
For his contributions to economic thought, Laffer was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump in 2019. The napkin on which he first sketched the Laffer Curve is now displayed in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
A prolific author of 26 books, including “Taxes Have Consequences: An Income Tax History of the United States,” released by Post Hill Press in September 2022, Laffer frequently speaks at events hosted by the Young America’s Foundation.
At Cedarville, students and members of the public will have the opportunity to hear directly from Laffer and engage in discussions about the impact of supply-side economics on their careers and daily lives. 
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.