FAYETTEVILLE -- Three finalists have been named for the top research officer position at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
UA has seen research expenditures climb to $145 million in fiscal year 2016 from $125.5 million in fiscal year 2013, based on National Science Foundation survey data published last year.
The university's former top research officer, Jim Rankin, left after seven years to become president of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, beginning the new job in January. At UA, Rankin was paid a salary of $261,944.
The finalists were asked by the Democrat-Gazette about the role of a university in setting research priorities.
Each finalist will give a public presentation.
Daniel Sui, a division director with National Science Foundation, will speak Monday at 2:30 p.m. in Gearhart Hall.
Sui, 53, since 2016 has worked in the National Science Foundation's Directorate of Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences. From 2011-15, Sui led Ohio State University's geography department as its chair.
He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Peking University in China and a doctorate in geography from the University of Georgia.
"Universities have been playing a leading role in addressing grand challenges of societal concerns," Sui said in an email. "With the accelerating technological, environmental, and economic changes, it is an imperative for universities to focus on these priority areas to make this world a better place for everybody."
Robert Nobles II, an interim vice chancellor at the University of Tennessee, will speak June 18 at 2:30 p.m. in Gearhart Hall.
Nobles since 2014 has worked at the University of Tennessee. In September, he became the school's top research officer when he was appointed interim vice chancellor for research and engagement. From 2011-13, Nobles led a research compliance office at Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M Health Science Center.
Nobles earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Florida A&M University and a doctorate in public health from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
He did not respond to a Democrat-Gazette email sent Friday.
Lynne Parker, an interim dean at the University of Tennessee, will speak June 21 at 2:30 p.m. in Gearhart Hall.
Parker, 57, since May has been interim dean of the University of Tennessee's engineering college and is also an associate dean for faculty affairs and engagement. She joined the faculty in 2002 and, from 2015-16, worked as a division director at the National Science Foundation.
She earned a bachelor's degree from Tennessee Technological University, a master's degree from the University of Tennessee and a doctorate in computer science from MIT.
In an email, Parker said universities "are critical parts of the research ecosystem, and should prioritize timely research areas that make use of unique university expertise in partnership with sponsors, industry, governments, and/or civic organizations."
She said the goal of research "is to achieve maximum positive impact, whether it takes the form of new basic knowledge, solutions to tough societal challenges, or increased economic competitiveness."
UA has used a search firm, Greenwood/Asher & Associates Inc., to assist with the search process, according to the university's web site.
Amy Schlesing, UA's director of strategic communications, said the university's provost, Jim Coleman, will make the hiring decision. Schlesing said Coleman will receive a recommendation from a university search committee and will also consult Chancellor Joe Steinmetz about the decision.
Metro on 06/10/2018