M. Keivan Deravi

Interim Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
Auburn University at Montgomery

Keivan Deravi is interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and a professor of economics at Auburn University Montgomery (AUM). He is the architect of the Alabama Economic Forecasting Model, which is used to generate forecasts for the state’s major economic variables.

Over the last 20 years, his forecasts have been utilized by every administration in developing the General Fund and Education Trust Fund budgets, which are presented to the Alabama Legislature annually.

Most recently he has been involved with the economic impact and feasibility of ThyssenKrupp Steel and Stainless USA, EADS, North America Inc, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda and Mercedes-Benz in Alabama. He has been a consultant to a major lobbying firm in Washington, D.C., and many law firms in New York and Alabama. He has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, London Financial Times, Bloomberg News, Forbes magazine, the New York Times, USA Today, National Public Radio, and Fox News Channel. He was presented a special award of recognition by Gov. Fob James, which, among other things, commended him for the accuracy of his economic projections at the state and national level.

Keivan Deravi is a Phi Kappa Phi graduate of Oklahoma State University where he received his doctorate degree. His research papers have appeared in a wide range of professional journals, including Journal of Banking and Finance, Economic Inquiry, and Southern Economic Journal, three of the most prestigious economic journals. He is also the recipient of AUM’s School of Business Award for Excellence in Research. He served as the director of the AUM Center for Government and Public Affairs from 1993 to March 2000, Chief Economists, AUM University Outreach from 2001 to 2006 and Special Assistant to the Provost, Auburn University from May 2006 to May 2007.