Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

Zhanjiang ‘John’ Liu Named Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost, Ramesh Raina to Serve as Interim Vice President for Research

Monday, November 11, 2019, By News Staff
Share
head shot

Zhanjiang “John” Liu

Chancellor Kent Syverud has named Vice President for Research Zhanjiang “John” Liu to the position of interim vice chancellor and provost, effective Jan. 6, 2020, following the announcement by Michele Wheatly that she would step down to become special advisor to the Chancellor.

“We are fortunate to have a scholar and leader of the highest caliber ready to take on the responsibilities and leadership during this critical time,” says Chancellor Syverud. “John has strengthened the research enterprise here and implemented innovative initiatives since he arrived on campus two years ago.”

Liu came to Syracuse University in September 2017 from Auburn University, where he was associate provost and associate vice president for research and a member of the faculty in the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences.

“When I arrived on campus two years ago, I was excited to be part of a top tier Carnegie R1 research enterprise. I have also come to deeply appreciate the efforts to improve both the undergraduate and graduate student experience here inside and outside the classroom,” says Liu. “Now, with clear momentum from the Academic Strategic Plan, and investments in faculty and student life, Syracuse University is poised to become a world-class university with unsurpassed student experience and top tier research. We will continue our strong focus on attracting diverse and talented faculty interested in interdisciplinary research; such scholar educators will provide cutting edge education to our students who will be ready to take on the  global challenges. I am honored that the Chancellor has asked me to serve in the interim provost role during this transition.”

As vice president for research, Liu oversees the Office of Research and its component units: the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Office of Research Integrity and Protections, the Office of Technology Transfer and the Office of Proposal Support Services. He serves on the University’s leadership team, working to promote partnerships across departments, disciplines, schools and colleges. He also works to advance translational research and discoveries as well as inventions development and their path to market place.

During Liu’s tenure as vice president for research, the University has made significant investments in support of faculty and students, including the establishment of new research clusters and the Collaboration for Unprecedented Success and Excellence (CUSE) Grant Program, which helps faculty become more competitive in securing external funding and sponsorship.

Ramesh Raina

Chancellor Syverud also announced that Ramesh Raina, professor and chair of the Department of Biology, will serve as interim vice president for research. Raina was instrumental in launching the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement, known as the SOURCE, a hub for student research, creativity and discovery. Raina is also co-director of the interdisciplinary major in biotechnology and a member of the core faculty of the Renée Crown University Honors Program. Raina served ably as chair of the University Senate Agenda Committee from 2017-2019.

“Syracuse University has made significant strides advancing its global research portfolio across all academic disciplines over the last several years. Never before have I seen such excitement and momentum in all facets of research, scholarship and creative activity,” says Raina. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead during this time of transition and look forward to working with Chancellor Syverud, John, our deans and our extraordinary faculty to elevate our research enterprise further.”

Chancellor Syverud plans to work with University stakeholders to appoint a search committee for a new provost during the spring semester.

  • Author

News Staff

  • Recent
  • Men’s Soccer Team Gives Back to Syracuse Community for Season of Support
    Friday, June 2, 2023, By Kathleen Haley
  • June 30 Deadline Set for Fiscal 2023 Year End Business
    Wednesday, May 31, 2023, By News Staff
  • DPS Accepting Sign-Ups for R.A.D. Summer Session
    Wednesday, May 31, 2023, By Alex Haessig
  • Syracuse Stage Adds 2 Musicals to 50th Anniversary Season
    Wednesday, May 31, 2023, By Joanna Penalva
  • Supporting, Advocating for Trans Youth Will Help Them Thrive As Adults
    Friday, May 26, 2023, By Daryl Lovell

More In Campus & Community

Men’s Soccer Team Gives Back to Syracuse Community for Season of Support

After their hard-earned National Championship season, energized by an outpouring of support, the Syracuse men’s soccer team wanted to respond in gratitude back to the community. Team members Noah Singelmann ’22 and Julius Rauch ’24 started a program, Sincere Impact,…

Project Mend Builds Community Through Writing for Those Impacted by the Justice System

For many years, Patrick W. Berry never told anyone that his father had been incarcerated for much of his life, as had several other members of Berry’s extended family. In fact, he tried not to think much about it. But eventually,…

June 30 Deadline Set for Fiscal 2023 Year End Business

Cash Operations has set a deadline of 3:30 p.m. on Friday, June 30, to receive deposits at the Bowne Cash Operations office for credit in fiscal year 2023. Deposits should be made as early in the day as possible on…

DPS Accepting Sign-Ups for R.A.D. Summer Session

The Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) is currently accepting sign-ups for its R.A.D. summer session. R.A.D., which stands for Rape Aggression Defense, is a nationally known self-defense program. This women-only self-defense course is being offered exclusively to Syracuse…

Syracuse Stage Adds 2 Musicals to 50th Anniversary Season

Syracuse Stage announced two musicals that will complete the lineup for the organization’s 50th anniversary season. Audiences are immersed in the soulful music of Billie Holiday with Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Oct. 18 through Nov. 5. Closing…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • @SUCampus
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2023 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.