University of Arkansas

Research Support and Sponsored Programs

Vice Provost for Research and
Economic Development

The University of Arkansas seeks an experienced, forward-thinking and entrepreneurial leader for the position of Vice Provost for Research and Economic Development. Reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Vice Provost is the University’s Chief Research Officer and is a member of the Chancellor’s Administrative Policy Council.  The Vice Provost will lead the ongoing development of a rich research community, and continue to advance a knowledge-based sustainable economy for the benefit of Arkansas and the world.

As the University’s Chief Research Officer (CRO), the Vice Provost develops and administers policies and procedures to increase research funding, certify academic integrity in research, and ensure compliance with research and technology transfer regulations. Specifically, the CRO oversees the Office of Research Support and Sponsored Programs; the Technology Licensing Office; the Research Compliance Office including the Institutional Review Board, the Biosafety Committee; the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee; and the University of Arkansas Press.

The Vice Provost provides creative and collaborative leadership to develop and implement vision, direction and strategic planning focusing on a wide range of academic, business, industry, and cultural fields. Accordingly, the Vice Provost is responsible for building the quality and quantity of research conducted at the university, and establishing and expanding University-industry and University-State partnerships to commercialize innovations emerging from University-based research.  Toward these ends, the Vice Provost works with the University of Arkansas Technology Development Foundation and the Arkansas Research Technology Park, a University-owned science and technology development located near the University’s main campus.

The University of Arkansas, located in Fayetteville, is a public land-grant institution and the flagship research institution of the State of Arkansas.  From 2000-2008, research expenditures grew from $76M to $115M, towards the University’s 2021 goal of $250M. The University excels in the research areas of enterprise systems computing, distributed energy network systems, optics and photonics, nano-related materials and applications, sustainable agriculture and bioenergy management, and food processing and safety, among others. The University is the largest patent-holder in the state, and University-based research has been a key catalyst in the success of the Arkansas Research and Technology Park.

With an endowment of over $800 million, the University of Arkansas serves as a major center of professional research and education, and provides a wide range of services to people throughout the state and nation.  The University offers 36 doctoral and 84 master’s degrees, including 12 interdisciplinary graduate degrees.  The University’s total enrollment of approximately 19,800 students includes nearly 3,800 graduate students.
Fayetteville is located in the beautiful Boston Mountain Range of the Ozarks in Northwest Arkansas, and serves as a cultural hub for a metropolitan area of more than 300,000 residents.  Fayetteville has been ranked as the nation’s number-one “Best Performing City” in categories of local economy, job market, and reliable growth industries.  The region is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., boasts one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates, and hosts two Fortune 500 headquarters.  Fayetteville and the surrounding area offer numerous cultural activities and outdoor recreational opportunities.


Minimum requirements include:

  • an understanding of the university’s mission of education, research and outreach;
  • an earned terminal degree from an accredited institution;
  • experience and achievement commensurate with tenure at the rank of Professor;
  • a documented record of funded research and significant personal research accomplishment;
  • progressive leadership and excellent administrative experience and budgetary management skills in a complex environment, including grants and contracts administration;
  • the ability to develop and foster good relations with a diverse constituency, including state policy makers, university faculty and administrators across the University System, state agencies, and the private sector;
  • broad knowledge of the sponsored research regulatory environment, including federal and non-federal grant processes and research compliance;
  • an understanding of the federal and state appropriations process;
  • experience in growing the knowledge-based economy through leveraging innovations created in a university or similar environment; and
  • an awareness of export control regulations and patent processes.

Preferred qualifications include:

  • administrative experience at the Department Head (or industry or other equivalent) level or higher;
  • a history of strong interactions with public and private sectors;
  • knowledge of national and international research trends; and
  • interdisciplinary research experience.

All applicants must apply online at vpred@uark.edu. Applications should include: a letter of application; curriculum vitae; a statement of applicant’s vision for research and economic development in a land-grant university; and names and complete contact information for five references (address, telephone numbers, and email address).

Initial review of applications will begin on Dec. 15, 2009, with a goal of having someone in place by the fall 2010 semester. The position will remain open until filled.

The University of Arkansas is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive campus in which to work, study, teach and serve. Therefore, we are especially interested in applications from qualified candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our university and programs.

University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
All applicants are subject to public disclosure under the
Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Persons hired must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States.

Research Support & Sponsored Programs, 120 Ozark Hall, 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, (479) 575-3845