“Dr. Yetiv is one of the most influential instructors of all I have had the pleasure to study under throughout my college career. His unique teaching style couples a thorough knowledge of the subject material with a keen insight and great sense of humor. It is a pleasure to be in his class. We learn about the world above and beyond the limits of the class topics. Kudos and accolades don’t do justice to his talent.”
—Old Dominion University Political Science student
Norfolk —Steve Yetiv, an extraordinary teacher, mentor, and true friend to many throughout the Old Dominion University and Hampton Roads communities, died March 21, 2018 at age 53 following a sudden heart attack. Steve’s passing is a profound loss to hundreds of admiring students and faculty at ODU as well as colleagues in his field of study around the world. As a loyal and supportive friend who was generous with his time and encouragement, there was no one else like him. Around the university and beyond, he gained the respect, love and gratitude of everyone in his extended family. For a man of such great achievement, he was remarkably humble, yet always a shining and smiling presence.
Dr. Steve Yetiv was the Louis I. Jaffe Professor of International Relations at Old Dominion University and a leading expert on world oil markets, energy security, the Middle East, and U.S. foreign policy. He was a consultant to the U.S. Departments of State and Defense; the U.S. General Accounting Office; and CNN International where he worked on a documentary that won an Edward R. Murrow Overseas Press Club Award. He appeared on outlets such as CNN, BBC, CNBC, CSPAN, and NPR, and published over 250 op-eds which include essays in The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The International Herald Tribune and the Christian Science Monitor.
He received Harvard University awards for excellence in teaching (1992 and 1993); the U.S. Secretary of State’s Open Forum Distinguished Public Service Award from the U.S. State Department for “contributions to national and international affairs” (1996); the Virginia Social Science Association’s Scholar Award (1999); the Choice Outstanding Academic Book awards (in 1998 and in 2005); and ODU research and teaching awards.
In 2012, he won Virginia’s highest research, teaching and service award, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Outstanding Faculty Award, based on the rankings of Virginia’s leading professors by 30 peer academic reviewers.
Steve is survived by his brother Dr. Jack Yetiv of Houston, Texas, and his family of close friends in Norfolk.
A private funeral was held at the Hebrew Cemetery in Norfolk. A Memorial Service for Steve will be held Tuesday, April 24, 6 pm at the Diehn Center for the Performing Arts, Old Dominion University.