Jeffrey Sachs - economist and educator - has been called one of the world's most important leaders on globalization. After more than 20 years at Harvard University, where he received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees, Sachs joined Columbia University in 2002 as director of the Earth Institute, Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development, and Professor of Health Policy and Management. He also is special advisor to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Millennium Development Goals. Sachs is renowned both for his economic theories and his practical work with international agencies on problems related to poverty reduction, disease control, and debt cancellation in the world's poorest countries. He has served as economic advisor to governments in Latin America, Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, Asia, and Africa. Time magazine listed Sachs in 2004 and 2005 among the 100 most influential people in the world. Sachs has written more than 200 scholarly articles and several books. His latest book, The End of Poverty, presents a compelling blueprint for eliminating extreme poverty from the world by 2025. Sachs' problem-solving approach has produced a new branch of economics called "clinical economics." For his generosity of spirit toward the world's disadvantaged and for his economic expertise aimed at eliminating global inequality and improving lives, Southern Methodist University is honored to confer upon Jeffrey Sachs the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa.