Duke Economics Masters Alum Roberto Lagos Appointed President of the Central Bank of Honduras
Roberto Lagos, M.A. in Economics alumnus, is now serving as President of the Central Bank of Honduras. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences proudly celebrates the appointment of Roberto Lagos (M.A. Economics ’16) as the new President of the Central Bank of Honduras.
Lagos earned his Master of Arts in Economics from Duke University in 2016. The program is designed to provide students with a rigorous, quantitative approach to economics while offering the flexibility to tailor the degree to their future goals. Through comprehensive training in economic analysis and quantitative methods, graduates are well prepared to pursue careers in policy, research, and finance.
During his time at Duke, Lagos focused on building a strong academic foundation in economics. He completed a range of preparatory courses that strengthened his analytical and quantitative skills, enabling him to engage deeply with advanced economic concepts and policy questions.
Beyond the classroom, Lagos gained valuable research experience across campus. He worked as a research assistant at the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), where he supported faculty research projects and contributed to data analysis. These academic and research experiences helped prepare Lagos for his first professional role at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), where he worked on impact evaluations.
Lagos has long demonstrated a commitment to Honduras’ economic development and public institutions. In 2017, he was appointed Minister-Counselor for Economic Affairs. His appointment as President of the Central Bank reflects years of dedication to strengthening Honduras’ economic future.
Faculty members who worked with Lagos at Duke remember both his academic ability and his leadership among peers. Research Professor of Economics Charlie M. Becker recalls, “Not surprisingly, he ended up being both a leader among his peers and someone to whom they could turn for help. He is personable, considerate, enormously caring, and a complete team player.”
Associate Professor of the Practice of Economics and Director of Graduate Studies Nelson Sa echoed this sentiment, saying the appointment “couldn’t have happened to a better person.”
As President of the Central Bank of Honduras, Lagos will play a key role in guiding monetary policy and supporting economic stability in the country. His appointment stands as a testament to the global impact of Duke’s economics graduates and the diverse paths they pursue after leaving campus.
“We are immensely proud of Roberto’s appointment as president of the Central Bank of Honduras,” said Sa. “His accomplishment highlights the extraordinary quality of successive generations of students who have graduated from our Master’s in Economics program.”