Dr. Kevin Simmons

Dr. Simmons is known internationally for his work on the economics of natural hazards. His research has been highlighted and he has been interviewed by the New York Times, CBS Evening News, Fox Business, Christian Science Monitor and USA Today among others. He has published more than 50 articles, which are widely cited and have appeared in academic journals from a variety of disciplines including engineering, sociology, law, meteorology as well as economics. In 2011, Dr. Simmons published a book, Economic and Societal Impacts of Tornadoes. This was followed by a second book, Deadly Season: Analyzing the 2011 Tornado Outbreaks in the Spring of 2012. Both books are co-authored with Daniel Sutter and are published by the American Meteorological Society and distributed by the University of Chicago Press.

Over the last 15 years he has presented papers at academic conferences in the US as well as in 11 different countries. Additionally, he has made speeches for industry groups with an interest in natural hazards most notably institutes sponsored by property insurers.

In keeping with his belief that research enhances the classroom experience, Dr. Simmons has been noted for his teaching of undergraduate students. Princeton Review included him in the 2012 edition of America’s Best 300 Professors. In 2009 Dr. Simmons was selected as a Fulbright Research Scholar and worked with the International Centre for Geohazards in Oslo, Norway during Spring 2010. In 2012 he was selected as a Fulbright Specialist.

Dr. Simmons earned a Ph.D. in Economics from Texas Tech University where he developed a research interest in the economics of natural hazards. Currently, he is a Professor of Economics at Austin College where he holds the endowed Clara R. and Leo F. Corrigan Chair of Economics.