4 George Mason Economists Decamp for Chapman U.; New President of U. of the Arts Is One of the Nation's Youngest; Tulane Names Medical Dean

The seven scholars are pioneers in experimental economics, the study of economic decision making in controlled settings not unlike psychology labs. The group's senior member, Vernon L. Smith, won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science in 2002, just a year after arriving at George Mason. A former deputy chief of staff to Harvard's president and provost, Mr. Buffington began working at Harvard in 1994 as assistant director of the alumni association. Tulane's president, Scott S. Cowen, said he was impressed by Dr. Sachs' work in improving patient care and reducing medical errors, as well as his track record of building successful research teams.