VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH

VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH

The University of Texas at Arlington, located in the heart of the economically flourishing and culturally diverse Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Research. With a diverse student population of approximately 33,500 students, 1,500 faculty, and a staff of 3,700, The University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) is the second-largest academic institution in the fifteen-member University of Texas System. UT Arlington is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service university organized into eleven colleges and schools.

The Vice President for Research, a leader in UT Arlington’s continuing growth and transformation, serves as chief research officer of the University and reports to Provost Ronald Elsenbaumer. The Vice President for Research will provide visionary, forward thinking, and entrepreneurial leadership as UT Arlington builds upon its traditional strength as a student- focused teaching institution and enhances its profile as a nationally recognized research- intensive university.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON

Founded in 1895 as a private liberal arts college, UT Arlington has evolved through a succession of names and missions, becoming part of The University of Texas System in 1965. The University offers 80 baccalaureate, 71 master’s, and 30 doctoral programs through eleven colleges and schools: the School of Architecture, College of Business, College of Education and Health Professions, College of Engineering, the Honors College, College of Liberal Arts, College of Nursing, College of Science, School of Social Work, School of Urban and Public Affairs, and University College. The University is a leader in distance education, with online programs in nursing, education, engineering, and business that are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Building on its ongoing commitment to increasing research, endowed faculty positions, and doctoral graduates, the University is actively working toward achieving the criteria laid out in its Strategic Plan for Achieving Recognition as a National Research University 2010-2020.

(http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=3AEE7B8C-C9A0-F730-737CF4D01A404487)

UT Arlington’s FY2010 operating budget was $496 million, a 19 percent increase from FY2008.

Since 2001, the University’s research expenditures have nearly tripled; in FY2011, they exceeded

$65 million. Moreover, enrollment has risen from 25,000 students in 2007 to more than 33,000 students in 2011. The University’s endowment reached $68 million in 2010, bolstered by increased philanthropy. The University continues to hire world-class faculty to expand research initiatives as well as build on its strengths in fields such as nanosciences/nanomaterials, medical

imaging, alternative and renewable energy technologies, computer science, and health care research and training. The University houses more than fifty research centers and institutes, and externally supported research activities are expected to increase dramatically in the coming years, especially with the vision and leadership of the new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the University’s commitment to achieving Tier One research status.

The University’s main campus in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States, encompasses 420 scenic acres in central Arlington. In addition, the University has two satellite facilities in the city of Fort Worth, The UT Arlington Rail Market Center and the Automation and Robotics Institute. Both are located just minutes away from the main campus. The University continues to expand and upgrade its facilities to meet growing demand. Recent additions include a $126 million, Engineering Research Building that added 234,000 square feet of research, classroom and office space in January 2011, the expanded Engineering Lab Building that reopened in spring 2009, and the College Park District, with more than twenty acres under development on the University's east side. Signature facilities in the District include the 6,500-seat College Park Center events arena, which opens in February 2012, and College Park, a 600-bed residential and retail center with living space wrapped around two multi-level parking structures that will be completed in August 2012.

UT Arlington is one of the most diverse institutions in the nation. In fall 2011, the student population was 19.2 percent Hispanic, 14.7 percent African American, 9.7 percent Asian, 0.4 percent Native American, and 8.5 percent International. It is estimated that the Hispanic student population will be University’s fastest-growing student segment in the coming decades.

UNIVERSITYLEADERSHIP

James D. Spaniolo took office as The UT Arlington’s seventh president in February 2004. He came to the University from Michigan State University where he served from 1996 to 2003 as Dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. Prior to his tenure at Michigan State, he was vice president and chief program officer of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

He holds a B.A. in political science from Michigan State, a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan Institute of Public Policy Studies (now the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy).

President Spaniolo’s priorities at UT Arlington include increasing research and private support, and solidifying the University’s status as a leading research institution.

Ronald Elsenbaumerbecame Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in October 2011 and serves as the University’s chief academic officer, reporting to the President and overseeing all colleges, schools, research, and academic programs. Previously he served as the University’s Vice President for Research and Federal Relations from 2004 through September 2011. An educator and researcher for more than thirty years, Elsenbaumer’s interests include developing new electrically conductive polymers, mechanistic organic and polymer chemistry and environmentally friendly lubricant additives. Elsenbaumer earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Purdue University and his doctorate in chemistry from Stanford University. He

worked in the private sector for Allied-Signal Inc. before joining UT Arlington in 1991 as chairman and director of the University’s Materials Science and Engineering department. In 1996, he also became chair of UT Arlington’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. Since then, Elsenbaumer has served as director of UT Arlington’s Nano-Fabrication Research and Teaching Facility and as interim provost in 2007-2008. A full professor since 1991, he holds a dual appointment in the College of Science and the College of Engineering and serves on numerous academic and University committees.

UNIVERSITYGOALS

The UT Arlington is committed to the promotion of lifelong learning through its academic and continuing education programs, and to the formation of good citizenship through its community service-learning programs. The diverse student body shares a wide range of cultural values and the University community fosters unity of purpose and cultivates mutual respect.

To achieve Tier One research status, the University has set specific goals in the following areas as outlined in the 2010 Strategic Plan titled Achieving Recognition as a National Research University:

• Increasing research funding and productivity;

• Improving undergraduate education;

• Enhancing doctoral programs;

• Improving faculty recruitment, retention, and development;

• Improving student development and achievement;

• Capitalizing on other resources including physical plant; and

• Increasing national and international visibility.

THE POSITION

The Vice President for Research reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Chief Academic Officer) and serves as the chief research officer of the University. The Vice President for Research will provide innovative and strategic leadership as UT Arlington builds upon its traditional strength as a student-focused teaching institution and enhances its profile as a research-extensive university. S/he has overall administrative responsibility for:

• Developing, coordinating, and stimulating research and creative activities at The University of Texas at Arlington;

• Enhancing external funding; and

• Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

The primary units reporting to the Vice President for Research will be the Offices of Grant and Contract Services, Technology Management, and Regulatory Services. The Vice President for Research also will oversee numerous university research centers, programs and institutes. He or she oversees a staff of approximately twenty-five, including two Associate Vice Presidents for Research and an Assistant Vice President who are direct reports, and manages an annual budget of approximately $3.5 million.

As a seasoned academic administrator, the Vice President for Research will work closely with the Provost, deans, and faculty to attract and develop resources for research, including state incentive funds to support achievement of Tier One research status.

KEY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Key challenges include: increasing competition for foundation and donor external funding dollars, as well as for federal research funding and increasing concentration of research expertise in established research networks.

Key opportunities include: a highly collaborative cross-disciplinary research environment, strong ties to local donors and local community partners outside the University. A growing number of well-resourced research ”Centers of Excellence” on campus, clustering significant research expertise and structured multi-disciplinary collaborations, including joint appointments. A strong emphasis on interdisciplinary perspectives and integrated approaches to solving real community problems, as well as basic and applied research in the natural, life, and social sciences.

The Vice President for Research will be expected to increase and diversify research and creative works, extramural funding, public-private partnerships, technology transfer, and graduate education opportunities. The Vice President for Research will represent and advocate for the University’s research enterprise both nationally and internationally. The Vice President is expected to develop strong working relationships within The University of Texas at Arlington community; with local and national businesses and industries; and with state and federal granting agencies, including the Center for Innovation, a public-private partnership of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and UTA, established to serve as a catalyst for technology-led economic development. Supporting a strategic approach to the formation of collaborative partnerships, the Center facilitates and enables the integration of industry, academic, and government research with venture capital talent & knowhow.

(http://thecenterforinnovation.org/) THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

The University of Texas at Arlington seeks a visionary leader with an earned doctorate who is eligible for a tenured appointment as a full professor in an academic department of the University. He or she should have a documented record of funded research and significant

personal research accomplishments. A mix of experience in academia, the private sector, or government is desirable.

The Vice President for Research will be an experienced, forward thinking, and highly entrepreneurial leader who will provide vision, direction, and strategic planning for this 21st century research university. The Vice President for Research assumes a key role in setting, by personal example, the highest standards for integrity, fair-mindedness, and respect for all persons.

Given the breadth of the role and responsibilities of the Vice President for Research, this challenging position requires exceptional judgment, strong management skills, and a deep understanding of and commitment to the teaching, research, and service missions of UT Arlington.

Qualifications:

Successful candidates typically will hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree and qualify for senior faculty rank in an academic department. Successful candidates should have an established record of accomplishment including:

• Creation and implementation of collaborative research initiatives;

• Distinguished record of research accomplishments;

• Managerial expertise in supervision, planning, and fiscal issues;

• Experience in administration of research grants and contracts;

• Advocacy for fostering and promoting women and historically underrepresented groups to further advance careers in academia or elsewhere; and

• Familiarity with fostering innovation and technology transfer.

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Advance the continued growth of the University’s research programs, to create and be an advocate for world-class research programs, and to encourage collaborative research across the schools and colleges;

• Be a strong advocate for the faculty in all areas of research and promote the University as a leader in research;

• Promote and implement activities to ensure compliance with Federal and State

regulations governing research;

• Respond to legislation and rule-making as it applies to university research;

• Work with a diverse faculty and student body in a wide range of disciplines; and

• Support development activities of the schools and colleges, deans, and faculty.

Personal attributes: The next Vice President for Research will be a leader of unquestionable integrity with many of the following qualities:

• Deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges of building a top-tier research university and strong commitment to achieving the highest standards in teaching and research;

• A forward-thinking approach to strengthening institutional capacity and impact, which demonstrates solid understanding of broad trends in higher education, regional and national development, and changing demographics;

• Intellectual breadth and sophisticated understanding of a wide range of scholarly areas, as well as a demonstrated record of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration;

• A team-oriented approach to working with other senior leaders and a collegial, supportive management style that demonstrates both strong leadership and compassion;

• Strong commitment to advocating for faculty and the academic enterprise;

• Demonstrated ability to innovate, solve problems creatively, move deliberative processes forward, and build consensus around tough decisions, particularly when working with limited resources;

• Commitment to diversity in all aspects of university life;

• Ease and effectiveness in communicating with diverse constituencies across campus and externally; and

• Appreciation for how UT Arlington functions as an integral part of the UT System, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, and the north Texas region.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

Review of applications and nominations will begin immediately and continue until a successful candidate is identified

.

Nominations and/or applications accompanied by a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three references, should be submitted to:

Judith Auerbach, President Kit Nichols, Vice President Ellen Offner, Senior Consultant

Auerbach Associates, Inc.

385 Concord Avenue, Suite 103 Belmont, MA 02478

Electronic submissions preferred to: Theresa@auerbach-associates.com

The University of Texas at Arlington is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.