ISE alumnus appointed endowed chair at Clarkson University

As a kid growing up in Iran, Amir Mousavian dreamed of becoming an engineer. That dream eventually led him to earn a doctorate in industrial engineering at Auburn University where he discovered a passion for teaching. Mousavian’s career has now led him to be named David Spatz '68 Endowed Chair of the Engineering and Management Program at Reh School of Business at Clarkson University.

Mousavian discovered a love for engineering in high school and decided to study industrial and systems engineering because of the endless career opportunities. He earned an undergraduate degree in industrial and systems engineering from Sharif University of Technology in 2007. When searching for a doctoral program, he trusted the high ranking of Auburn University’s industrial and systems engineering program.

“I did some more research about the faculty, the research expertise, and the university in general and decided to apply,” Mousavian said. “I always feel very lucky that I was admitted to this program and even received scholarships to pursue my dream and more importantly become a member of the Auburn Family.”

During his time at Auburn, Mousavian conducted research with Philpott-WestPoint Stevens Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering Jorge Valenzuela. The two still stay in touch.

“We crossed paths in the very first semester when I took his course Decision Support Systems and then he trusted me to work on his research project and the rest is history,” Mousavian said. “I owe him greatly for mentoring me and every single opportunity he created for me. I cannot thank him enough for everything I learned from him not only in research but also about life and how to become a better person.”

Mousavian was involved on Auburn’s campus in numerous ways. He served as a graduate teaching and research assistant and later as an independent instructor. He also co-founded the Iranian Student Association (IRSA) in an effort to support Iranian students and their families.

“The goal was to support Iranian students and their families from the time they choose Auburn, to the time they arrive at Auburn and need support to settle down, to the day they graduate and leave Auburn,” he said. “I am very proud of the IRSA and its accomplishments, which has grown substantially since then and touched the lives of many Iranian students and their families.”

Mousavian earned a doctorate in industrial and systems engineering in 2014. He joined Clarkson University as an assistant professor of engineering and management in 2014 and received tenure and promotion to associate professor in February 2020. He said he is humbled and grateful for his recent appointment as chair.

“Our engineering and management program is the second largest undergraduate program at Clarkson, one of the top 25 programs nationally, and one of the only two dually accredited programs by AACSB and ABET,” he said. “The success of this program would have not been possible without the generous support of our alumni and donors, and I do hope I will be worthy of this honor.”