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Washington State University
Washington State University Office of the Provost

About Search

Vice President for Research

Washington State University (WSU), a distinguished research and land-grant university, seeks a visionary and experienced leader to serve as the Vice President for Research.

The Vice President for Research is responsible for the University’s strategic research agenda and research-related operations and reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President. The Vice President for Research will work with the deans and chancellors to develop and implement the University’s multidisciplinary strategic research agenda. WSU seeks an entrepreneurial Vice President with high academic standards; an outstanding record of research;  a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and an ability to represent the Office of Research externally to local, national, and international constituencies. Candidates for the position should have an earned doctorate, a record consistent with appointment as a tenured full professor in respective discipline, relevant administrative experience, and national stature.

For more information about the Office of Research, please visit: https://research.wsu.edu/

Listening and Feedback Sessions

Washington State University will host virtual listening and feedback sessions for the Vice President for Research search during the week of April 1.  Our executive search firm partner (Isaacson, Miller) and the search advisory committee co-chairs (Celestina Barbosa-Leiker and Doug Call) will facilitate the four sessions.  Pertinent details for the four sessions are found immediately below.

Virtual Listening and Feedback Session Schedule

Each session will focus on discussing the position itself and the important opportunities and challenges facing the incoming Vice President for Research (VPR).  Following the listening and feedback sessions, Isaacson, Miller will synthesize what we have learned into an Opportunity and Challenge Profile for the search advisory committee and Provost Chilton’s consideration.  The profile will provide a compelling description of Washington State University, its history, mission, and competitive environment, as well as a realistic and enticing picture of the challenges, measures of success, and ideal qualifications for the role.  Once finalized, Isaacson, Miller will share this profile broadly with prospective candidates.

If you cannot attend the listening and feedback sessions or have additional information to share, you can also complete this survey: https://www.research.net/r/BCRDFNY.

Search Advisory Committee

  • Celestina Barbosa-Leiker, Co-Chair and Executive Vice Chancellor, WSU Spokane; and Professor, College of Nursing, WSU Spokane
  • Doug Call, Co-Chair and Senior Vice Provost, WSU System; and Regents Professor, Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, WSU Pullman
  • Glynda Becker-Fenter, Vice President for Government Relations and External Affairs, WSU System
  • Kim Christen, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Advancement and Partnerships, Office of Research, WSU Pullman; and Professor, Department of Digital Technology and Culture, College of Arts and Sciences, WSU Pullman
  • Kate Evans, Professor, Department of Horticulture, Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
  • Zoe Higheagle Strong, Vice Provost for Native American Relations and Programs & Tribal Liaison to the President, WSU System; and Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Educational Psychology, College of Education, WSU Pullman
  • Sergey Lapin, Vice Chancellor for Research, WSU Everett; and Scholarly Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, WSU Everett
  • Jacob Leachman, Associate Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, WSU Pullman
  • Sterling McPherson, Assistant Dean for Research, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, WSU Spokane; and Professor, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, WSU Spokane
  • Squeak Meisel, Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Art, College of Arts and Sciences, WSU Pullman
  • Dan Nordquist, Deputy Vice President for Research for Operations, Office of Research, WSU System
  • Amy Salazar, Associate Professor, Department of Human Development, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, WSU Vancouver
  • Deepti Singh, Assistant Professor, School of the Environment, College of Arts and Sciences, WSU Vancouver
  • Tracy Simmons, Scholarly Assistant Professor, Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, WSU Pullman
  • Michael Wolcott, Interim Vice President for Research, WSU System; and Regents Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, WSU Pullman
  • Xiao Zhang, Professor, School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, WSU Tri-Cities

Candidate and Source Recommendation

Applications and nominations will be accepted until a new Vice President for Research is selected. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials to Brian Burbank at bburbank@imsearch.com.

Search Firm

The national executive search firm of Isaacson, Miller has been selected to assist Washington State University in its search for the next Vice President for Research. As one of the country’s premier executive search firms, Isaacson, Miller has nearly 40 years of experience in recruiting senior leaders for some of the top visual and performing arts and cultural organizations, academic medical centers, healthcare institutions, foundations, preK-12 education and education improvement organizations, colleges and universities, social justice advocacy groups, conservation and environment organizations, human services providers, and other mission-driven organizations that make a difference in people’s lives. For more information regarding Isaacson, Miller, please click here.

Questions

Please contact the Office of the Provost at (509) 335-5581 and ask for Kristina Peterson-Wilson (Vice Provost for Academic Administration & Chief of Staff) or Haley Klemmetson (Executive Assistant).

Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action educator and employer. Members of ethnic minorities, women, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently-separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability, and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility.