Campus & Community

Search Committee Appointed to Identify University’s Next Vice President for Research

Thursday, February 10, 2022, By Ellen de Graffenreid

Update:  On Feb. 23, 2022, Provost Ritter announced that Romita Ray, professor, College of Arts and Sciences, will join the search committee.

Syracuse University Vice Chancellor and Provost Gretchen Ritter today announced the members of the search committee for the University’s next vice president for research (VPR). The VPR reports directly to the provost and provides leadership for the University’s research enterprise, including support of scholarly and creative activity across the institution.

“Continuing to build research, scholarship and creative work is essential to enhancing academic excellence in a university that is welcoming and inclusive,” says Ritter. “I am pleased and grateful that the committee includes a cross section of campus stakeholders who understand the importance this role will have in shaping the future of research at Syracuse University. I am grateful to all of the committee members for participating in this search, which is so important for the University’s future trajectory.”

“I am grateful to Ramesh Raina, whose service as interim VPR began just as the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. Syracuse University’s scholarly community has benefited from his leadership and advocacy,” says Ritter.

Ritter has charged the search committee with consulting key campus stakeholders regarding the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the next permanent vice president for research. After development of a position description, the position will be advertised widely to develop a strong pool of candidates. The University is partnering with Paul Chou of Korn Ferry’s global education practice on the search.

The committee, which is composed of faculty, staff, student representatives and members of the Board of Trustees, will be led by Duncan Brown, Charles Brightman Endowed Professor of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences. Members include:

  • Nicholas Armstrong, managing director, Institute for Veterans and Military Families
  • Kristen Barnes, professor, College of Law
  • Michel Benaroch, professor, Whitman School of Management
  • Yousr Dhaouadi, Ph.D. student, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Heidi Hehnly, associate professor, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Sandra Lane, professor, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
  • Christine Larsen G’84, University Trustee
  • Regina Luttrell, associate professor, Newhouse School of Public Communications
  • Jennifer Karas Montez, professor, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
  • Daekwon Park, associate professor, School of Architecture
  • Dacheng Ren, professor, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Cole Smith, dean, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Stuart Taub, Office of Sponsored Programs

Ritter hopes to have the search completed and an individual named to the position by the end of the spring semester.