Heins, A. James

Years in the Department:

1967-1991

Research Interest: 

Economics of the Middle East, Low Volatility Theory of Stocks

Biosketch:

Arthur James Heins came to the University of Illinois in 1960, as Assistant Professor for the Department of Finance.  The following year he would take his ph.d. from the University of Wisconsin.  In 1969, the Executive Committee of the Department of Economics requested A. J. Heins to the position of Associate Professor.  Hence progressed his 35-year teaching career. 

During his 22-year tenure in Economics, his fields of specialization would include Public Finance, Distribution Theory, and Investment Theory.  He would publish a number of  substantive articles in professional journals, in addition to one book entitled, “Constitutional Restrictions Against State Debt.”   With his student Robert Haugen, he was a leader in the low volatility theory of stock prices because contrary to common beliefs, low volatility stocks have on average higher returns than high volatility stocks.

Professor Heins would contribute importantly to the University and the State of Illinois  in economic planning activities.  In 1982, he would be named Director of the Office of  Real Estate Research at Illinois. 

Equally outstanding as his talents as Economist were his talents in broadcast communications:  he would become a rising star of radio, television, and stage, and would go on to host the nightly news program, “Nightcap” for WCIA News from 1982-2000. 

In 1991, he would retire from the university, continuing his teachings for four years on the faculty of the executive MBA program, his “favorite teaching spot” of his long-standing and very distinguished career.

PhD:

University of Wisconsin, 1961

Selected Publications:

  • Heins, A J. Constitutional Restrictions against State Debt. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1963. Print.
  • Heins, A J. Illinois Economic Growth Study. Chicago: Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, 1976. Print.
  • Heins, A J. Income Maintenance and the State and Local Tax-Expenditure Package. Madison: Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin, 1969. Print.
  • Haugen, Robert A, and A J. Heins. A Market Separation Theory of Rent Differentials in Metropolitan Areas. Madison: Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin, 1968. Print.
  • Heins, A J, and John Graham. Illinois Highways and Economic Growth. Chicago, Springfield: Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, 1979. Print.
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