Provost Lancaster announces search for Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs

Paula Lancaster, Provost and Executive Vice President of Central Michigan University Provost, has announced the national search for the university’s next Vice President for Research & Sponsored Programs.

Lancaster has appointed a search committee chaired by Kathy Irwin, Dean of University Library. The search committee will play a crucial role in the selection of the next vice president. Members of the committee include: 

• Kris McLavy, Associate Controller/Financial Reporting – Accounting Services

• Jason Taylor, Faculty, Department of Economics

• Dr. Seung-Eun (Joy) Lee, Faculty, Department of Fashion, Interior Design, and Merchandising

• Dr. Ksenia Ustinova, Professor, and Assistant Dean for Research and Faculty Development

• Kathy Irwin, Dean of University Libraries

• Megan Morris, Director of Government Relations

• Veronica Barone, Professor, Department of Physics

• Chris Tycner, Associate Dean, College of Science & Engineering

• Kendra Huckins, Director of Faculty Employment & Compensation

• Kathleen Meert, Chairperson of Pediatrics, College of Medicine

The Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs serve as the university’s chief research officer and provides strategic leadership for the growth and advancement of Central Michigan University’s research, scholarship, and creative activities. The vice president is responsible for fostering a vibrant research environment that supports faculty, staff, and student innovation across disciplines.

This role oversees the development and administration of sponsored programs, including pre- and post-award services, research compliance, and regulatory affairs. The vice president will work collaboratively with academic and administrative leaders to expand external funding, strengthen partnerships with industry and government agencies, and enhance CMU’s national research profile.

Additionally, the vice president will lead efforts to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, support faculty development in research and grant activity, and ensure the responsible and ethical conduct of research across the institution.

“CMU is committed to advancing its research and creative impact across disciplines. We seek a visionary leader who can inspire innovation, support faculty and student research, and elevate CMU’s national research profile as a leading R2 institution,” Lancaster said.

Bradley Swanson currently serves as the Interim Vice President, a role he has held since April 1, 2024. The search for the next vice president will be assisted by Dr. Jim Johnsen and Dr. Ann Baily with Greenwood/Asher & Associates.