A national search is now underway to find the University of Delaware’s next vice president for research, scholarship and innovation, UD President Dennis Assanis announced today.

“This senior leadership position plays a critical role in advancing UD impact as a premier research University,” said Assanis. “We seek a leader who can build on the institution’s innovative momentum and success while also maximizing new opportunities to strengthen our strategic plan going forward.”

A search advisory committee has been appointed, co-chaired by Marianthi Ierapetritou, Bob and Jane Gore Centennial Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and John Pelesko, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Members of the committee are

• Wei Jun Cai, Mary A.S. Lighthipe Chair in the School of Marine Science and Policy;
• Ioannis Chremos, doctoral student in mechanical engineering and executive secretary of the Graduate Student Government and liaison to the Newark City Council;
• Greg Dobler, associate professor in the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration and in the Department of Physics and Astronomy;
• Velia Fowler, chairperson and professor in the Department of Biological Sciences;
• Nancy Getchell, professor of kinesiology and applied physiology and of women and gender studies and president of the Faculty Senate;
• Tori Glover, senior in health sciences and president of the Student Government Association;
• Catherine Leimkuhler Grimes, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and of biological sciences;
• Curtis Johnson, associate professor of biomedical engineering;
• LaShanda Korley, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering;
• Adrienne Lucas, chairperson and professor in the Department of Economics;
• Henry May, director of the Center for Research in Education and Social Policy and associate professor in the School of Education;
• Debbie Hess Norris, chair and professor of photograph conservation, Unidel-Henry Francis du Pont Chair of Fine Arts, director of the Winterthur/UD Program in Art Conservation and UD trustee;
• Mary Remmler, senior vice president and chief financial officer;
• Lou Rossi, dean of the Graduate College, vice provost for graduate and professional education and professor of mathematical sciences and of computer and information sciences;
• Rodrigo Vargas, professor of plant and soil sciences; and
• Yushan Yan, Henry B. du Pont Chaired Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

While expressing his gratitude for those who have agreed to assist with this important national search, Assanis shared that the search advisory committee will hold two virtual forums this month to gather input from the University community about the skills and background needed for this senior administrative position. The forums are scheduled from 4-5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25, and Thursday, Oct. 27. Those interested in participating must register here.

Additional information about the search is available on special website.

Also assisting with the search is Education Executives, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in searches for higher education leadership.

The UD vice president for research, scholarship and innovation reports to the president and works closely with members of the senior leadership team to advance and support UD’s research enterprise, which exceeds over $184 million annually in externally funded projects. The vice president also works closely with the provost to promote and advance academic excellence and the standing of UD’s academic programs. In addition, the vice president plays a major role in shaping the future of the 272-acre Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus and works to enhance faculty innovation and entrepreneurship.

Earlier this year, Charlie Riordan, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation and long-time UD faculty member, retired to become provost at Hofstra University. Kelvin H. Lee, Gore Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and institute director for the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), has been serving as interim vice president for research, scholarship and innovation since July 1.