Provost Lancaster names interim VP of Research and Sponsored Programs

Central Michigan University Provost Paula Lancaster have announced the appointment of Christopher Tycner as interim Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs. The appointment follows the planned retirement of Bradley Swanson , who has been serving in the role on an interim basis since April 1, 2024, and will retire August 1, 2026.

Tycner, who currently serves as associate dean of the College of Science & Engineering, will assume the interim role effective August 1, 2026, and will provide guidance and support as the university continues to advance its research enterprise and sponsored program activities.

In his current role as associate dean, Tycner has led strategic initiatives to enhance research productivity, expand external funding opportunities and support faculty development, while also overseeing key aspects of budgeting and planning.

Tycner brings extensive leadership experience, including nine years as chair of the Department of Physics from 2012 to 2021, where he oversaw academic operations, supported faculty development, and fostered a collaborative departmental culture.

A tenured professor of physics, Tycner’s research focuses on observational stellar astrophysics that has been supported by agencies such as the National Science Foundation and NASA. He has a strong record of scholarly publication and student mentorship.

Prior to joining CMU, Tycner served as a Michelson Postdoctoral Fellow at the U.S. Naval Observatory, where he conducted research on circumstellar disks of hot stars and contributed to operations of the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer.

He earned his Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Toronto and his bachelor’s degree in astronomy from the University of Western Ontario. He has also completed executive leadership training, including the Management Development Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Lancaster said Tycner’s experience and leadership will help guide CMU’s research and sponsored programs during this transition.

“Dr. Tycner brings a strong record of research leadership and a deep commitment to supporting faculty and student scholarship,” Lancaster said.