Dear Colleagues:

           As part of the reconfiguration of the Office of the Provost, it was recommended that research services become a free-standing division in the University.  This change elevates the role of research, provides a voice at the highest administrative levels, and sets the stage for expanding research support and infrastructure on campus.  It is a pleasure to announce that Dr. Andy Meyers has agreed to serve as the interim vice-president for research.  Dr. Meyers has served the University of Memphis in varied administrative roles over the years, including chair of the Department of Psychology from 1990-2002, executive director of the FedEx Institute of Technology in 2004-2005, and most recently as vice-provost for research and executive director of the University of Memphis Research Foundation. 

            The University of Memphis has set a goal of $100 million in research expenditures, with annual award totals fluctuating for the past several years between $45 and $50 million. As shared previously, the University recently completed a research capacity analysis that will help guide the expansion of support and infrastructure geared to growing research activity, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary efforts.  An implementation plan has also been developed.  Both were the products of workgroups that included not only a broad cross section of faculty members but also members of the Faculty Senate Research Committee.

Sincerely,

M. David Rudd, Provost