How are international markets influencing the value of the U.S. dollar? What does the year hold for inflation, interest rates, and oil prices? What will the San Diego housing market look like this year? On Jan. 23 students at Point Loma Nazarene University were given a unique opportunity to hear these issues addressed by Dr. Lynn Reaser, chief economist for Bank of America (B of A), in a special presentation and Q & A time.

In addition, as part of a collaborative partnership between the school and Bank of America, PLNU hosted a private breakfast for B of A clients and executives, featuring Dr. Reaser. Also in attendance were PLNU cabinet members, business faculty, and students. During the breakfast, Dr. Reaser gave an economic forecast talk entitled "Politics, Housing and Interest Rates – Setting the Agenda for 2007."

Dr. Reaser is responsible for tracking and forecasting economic trends and evaluating their effects on financial markets. She follows international, national, and regional developments, and plays a key role in helping shape the bank’s investment strategy.

“We are pleased that Bank of America has extended to us the opportunity to be a strategic partner in the San Diego community as well as provide our students the opportunity to learn from Dr. Reaser, one of the top economists in the country,” said Joe Watkins, vice president of external affairs.

“[Reaser’s] willingness to dedicate a separate and exclusive presentation time to our students and faculty underscores an exciting opportunity for collaboration and cooperation between PLNU and the community,” said Randy Ataide, director of the Fermanian Business Center. “This will have a long-term and positive impact on our ability to not only teach and shape in accordance with our mission, but also to send our students forth into exciting new arenas of engagement."

Dr. Reaser is also the managing director for the Investment Strategies Group at Bank of America, part of the company’s Global Wealth & Investment Management division, which has around $500 billion in assets under management. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Business Economics. She also has served in a number of government advisory positions and chaired the American Bankers Association’s Economic Advisory Council. Dr. Reaser, who was born in Los Angeles, holds a doctorate, a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California at Los Angeles.




Eric Yates
Media Relations Officer
(619) 849-7186
eyates@pointloma.edu