Peter F. Bell

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Peter F. Bell, Professor Emeritus of Economics. Dr. Bell earned his B.A. and M.A. from Trinity College Dublin and his Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin, Madison. He joined the Purchase faculty in 1975 and, as one of the first economists at Purchase, he helped establish and build the economics program—one that was pioneering in that it emphasized critical thinking over adherence to contemporary mainstream economic theory. Dr. Bell served as department chair for many years. He spent nearly 35 years teaching and mentoring countless Purchase students and junior colleagues before retiring in 2009. In recognition of his outstanding teaching, Dr. Bell was awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. But his impact as an educator extends far beyond the Purchase community. He was a passionate advocate for economics education and served for over a decade as the Executive Director of the New York State Council on Economics Education, where he worked to infuse economics education into the K-12 curricula of students in New York State. He also worked closely on curricular development with the Westchester High School Partnership for Economics Education. In recognition of his contributions to public education, Dr. Bell was honored with the Outstanding Service Award of the Westchester Council for the Social Studies.

Dr. Bell was a political economist whose scholarship focused on the economies of developing nations. He examined the economy as a function of broad human issues, including political conditions, social institutions involving power and class, and the exploitation of low-wage earners. He was internationally recognized for his work on the economies of Thailand.

Colleagues shared that Dr. Bell was a much-loved teacher with very devoted students. Where he saw injustice, he was always ready to relentlessly challenge authority. They remember him fondly as a friend, colleague, and champion for economics education.