The University of Alabama announced on Oct. 30 it is beginning a search for a new vice president for Research and Economic Development.
Dr. Carl A. Pinkert, current vice president for Research and Economic Development, has announced plans to step down effective Dec. 31 from the role he has held since November 2013.
A 10-person committee will oversee the national search, and a search firm will be hired to help identify qualified candidates. Dr. Susan Carvalho, associate provost and dean of the UA Graduate School, will facilitate the committee’s work.
Additional members of the committee are Dr. Shashi Nambisan, executive director of the Alabama Transportation Institute and professor of civil engineering; Dr. Matthew Therrell, professor of geography; Carpantanto Myles, director of research compliance; Dr. Jonathon Halbesleben, associate dean for research, Culverhouse College of Commerce; Dr. Silas Blackstock, professor of chemistry; Dr. Vikki Vandiver, dean of the School of Social Work; Keisha Cook, graduate student in mathematics; Dr. Dennis Sunal, professor of science education, College of Education; and Dr. Norma Cuellar, professor of nursing.
The new vice president will provide leadership for advancing UA’s research and economic development efforts, fulfilling one of the primary goals of UA’s Strategic Plan: increase the University’s productivity and innovation in research, scholarship and creative activities.