Dear Members of the ºÚÁÏÍø Community,
Kent State has launched a national search for an accomplished and collaborative leader to serve as our vice president for research and sponsored programs. As we work to maintain momentum as an R1 institution, we are now moving forward in identifying permanent leadership for the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.
We have formed an experienced and diverse search committee, led by Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. Serving on the search committee are: Sara Bayramzadeh, Ph.D., coordinator and The Elliot Professor in Healthcare Design, College of Architecture and Environmental Design; Lori Burchard, director, Office of Sponsored Programs; Tony Hardin, director, School of Theatre and Dance; Joycelyn Harrison, Ph.D., professor and associate dean of research and faculty affairs, College of Aeronautics and Engineering; Deric Kenne, Ph.D., professor and interim director, Center for Public Policy and Health; Versie Johnson-Mallard, Ph.D., dean, professor and Henderson Memorial Endowed Chair, College of Nursing; Oleg Lavrentovich, Ph.D., Trustees Research Professor; Laura Leff, Ph.D., chair, Department of Biological Sciences; Mandy Munro-Stasiuk, Ph.D., dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Harun Rashid, Ph.D. candidate and adjunct professor, Department of Political Science; C. Lockwood Reynolds, Ph.D., professor, Department of Economics; and Lance Williams, director of operations and special projects, ºÚÁÏÍø at Geauga and Twinsburg Academic Center.
The committee will conduct an extensive national search and bring highly qualified finalists forward for campus interviews before the end of the fall semester. Our goal is to have the vice president for research and sponsored programs in place and working before the start of the 2023 Fall Semester, if not earlier.
Search Committee Seeks Input
The search committee seeks your input regarding the experience and qualities we should seek in our next vice president. Please share your thoughts on the opportunities, challenges, characteristics and qualifications for the vice president of research and sponsored programs by completing the committee’s .
We thank you in advance for taking a few moments to complete the survey. With your interest and participation, our search will be successful and enable us to further enhance Kent State’s reputation as an R1 university with national and international reach.  
Sincerely,
Todd Diacon
President