.Dean also joined the CAER in May as the associate director and research economist. He received his bachelor's degree in management information systems from the University of Oklahoma in 1989. After spending 11 years working in telecommunications and networking, Dean came to OSU and earned a doctoral degree in economics. He specializes in economic modeling and regional analysis.

The core objectives of the CAER will be threefold: 1) provide a training ground to young economists interested in applied research, 2) offer support to state and local agencies consistent with OSU's mission as a land grant institution, and 3) contribute an objective voice to ongoing policy discussions around the state.

"While I look forward to an expanded role in the economic development and policy arena, the core offering of CAER will continue to be economic forecasting," Evans said.

Evans said he is excited about his return to OSU and the future of the CAER.

"Above all, I hope our clients always find a friendly voice and a willing advisor when dealing with the CAER and its staff," he said.

For more information about the CAER, contact Evans or Dean at 405-744-7405 or visit the CAER Web site at http://spears.okstate.edu/caer.

The Center for Applied Economic Research (CAER) is housed in the Spears School of Business and has a long-standing tradition of applying economic analysis to existing and proposed public policy measures, questions of business and government efficiency and effectiveness, and the issue of regional economic development and forecasting. The CAER pursues an applied research program developed to contribute to the economic advancement of the state of Oklahoma and provide opportunities for faculty and students to engage in the theoretical analysis of public policy and the empirical estimation and forecasting of economic outcomes. For more information, call 405-744-7405.