Dr. Deniz Gevrek Named Director of South Texas Regional Economic Development Center

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Dr. Deniz Gevrek has been appointed director of the South Texas Economic Development Center (STEDC) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. This marks the beginning of a new era of research, insight, and innovation for the region. Gevrek, who is a tenured economics professor in the TAMU-CC College of Business, will now lead the center into its next phase of service to the Coastal Bend region.

Established in 2014, STEDC provides applied research, data analysis, and economic impact studies to public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The center’s research helps decision-makers address complex challenges, evaluate opportunities, and promote economic development.

“Our ability to offer rigorous, custom studies at cost makes this work accessible to a wider range of stakeholders,” Gevrek said. “That means more communities can have the information they need to make informed economic decisions.”

Gevrek, who assumed the role on June 1, 2025, leads a team of economists who collectively have over 71 years of post-Ph.D. experience that includes regional and urban economics, economic impact analysis, labor and applied microeconomics, fiscal and monetary policy, and international trade. Under Gevrek’s leadership, the STEDC has completed economic impact studies for various clients, including the Downtown Management District, Rally Credit Union, and House of Rock. Additionally, the center is conducting studies for key industry leaders in the region, such as the Port of Corpus Christi.

“Our work is truly a team effort, and we exist to serve,” she said. “Together, we’re helping communities see where they are, and where they can go next.”

In October 2025, Gevrek launched a monthly economic update for the Coastal Bend region. This report tracks regional business cycles and provides economic indicators for the eleven counties in the area.

“We know stakeholders rely on clear, consistent information,” Gevrek said. “This monthly outlook helps provide that picture for our region.”

Gevrek assumes the role of director while still teaching more than 100 students across two classes at TAMU-CC. She also serves as the faculty advisor to the TAMU-CC Student Economic Association.

“One of the greatest measures of my success is the success of my students,” Gevrek said. “Hearing from employers about the value our students bring to their organizations, or seeing a student turn an internship into a full-time job offer is why I do what I do. Having a positive impact on them while they are here isn’t just important — it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”

Since joining Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in 2010, Gevrek has built a distinguished record of scholarship, leadership, and service. She is also a Research Fellow at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA) in Germany and National Vice President of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Honor Society in Economics.

Gevrek earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin. Her research in applied econometrics and labor economics has been published in numerous prestigious, peer-reviewed journals, widely cited, and featured in The Wall Street Journal and Wired magazine. She was named the 2025 COB Professor of the Year and is the recipient of numerous research, teaching, and service awards at college, university, and Texas A&M System levels. Gevrek also recently served on the scoring committee of the TxDOT Maritime Division, helping evaluate over $9.6 billion in Texas port grant applications for the 89th legislative session — a testament to her expertise in applied regional economics and public policy analysis.

As the STEDC grows, Gevrek says the foundation remains the same: rigorous analysis, teamwork, and service to the region.

“This is a crucial moment for the Coastal Bend region,” Gevrek said. “Each study we conduct and every client we support enriches our understanding of the unique strengths and challenges we face. By leveraging data, the center fuels economic growth and shares our inspiring regional success story.”