Richard J Grant

Dr. Richard J Grant is Professor of Finance and Economics at Cumberland University's Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business. He holds a PhD in economics from George Mason University with specializations in finance, public finance, and public choice. His career spans academic roles at Virginia Tech, University of the Witwatersrand, and Hillsdale College, alongside business positions as Chief Economist at South Africa's Chamber of Mines and contributor to Forbes.com and The Tennessean.

• B.A. in Economics from McMaster University
• PhD in Economics from George Mason University

His research focuses on economic freedom, monetary policy, and institutional economics, as evidenced by his recent work analyzing South Africa's 81st global ranking in economic freedom (2024) and advocating for constitutional governance. His archived publications and Substack articles regularly address policy challenges including cash privacy, property rights, and regulatory impacts.

Key contributions to academic discourse include:

• Analysis of BRICS+ economic freedom dynamics
• Critique of institutional memory loss in civil society
• Advocacy for tax burden transparency

Scientific recognition includes:

• Distinguished Fellow at Beacon Center of Tennessee
• Senior Associate at Free Market Foundation

Current research examines:

• Monetary policy stability
• Property rights frameworks
• Market knowledge regeneration
• Cash vs digital currency trade-offs
• Government size optimization
• Legal system economic impacts

Professional experience spans military service as Canadian Armed Forces infantry officer, economic research for South African institutions, and editorial roles at Financial Mail and Free Market Foundation.