Lee Drickamer

Interim VP for research appointed
as search is extended

The search for a vice president for Research has been extended through the summer, and Lee Drickamer, a Regents Professor in biological sciences, has agreed to serve as interim vice president.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to step into this new role," Drickamer said. "My major emphasis should be on moving forward on a series of issues so that when the new vice president for Research comes to Northern Arizona University, the road has fewer bumps and a smooth transition."

Drickamer is expected to begin his interim appoint in early June.

Kathe Shinham, vice president for Administration and Finance and chair of the search committee, explained that scheduling conflicts prevented the university from inviting candidates to campus before commencement. "This is a new position and we need to provide the opportunity for faculty to provide input on the candidates," she said.

The committee is working with Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to promote the position and identify potential candidates.

The university has had a vice provost for Research and Graduate Studies, but the dual role has been separated to focus appropriate attention on both the research and graduate education enterprises.

The new vice president for research will be expected to:

• develop and articulate a research strategy for NAU
• develop an economic model for research
• develop new systems, policies and processes to support increased research activity
• strengthen administrative support for the research enterprise
• represent the NAU research enterprise at the local, state, regional and national levels
• support the hiring of quality faculty researchers
• ensure effective management of issues of intellectual property and technology transfer