Memo describes position changes in UO's RIGE

The following memo from Kimberly Andrews Espy, the UO's vice president for research and innovation and dean of the UO Graduate School, details changes in several positions within her office. The changes were effective as of Jan. 1.

Colleagues:

To strengthen our operations and create new opportunities for us to advance the UO’s research and innovation agenda, there are some personnel changes in the office for Research, Innovation and Graduate Education (RIGE), effective January 1, 2014. Please share this message with others for whom this announcement is pertinent.

With the expansion and increased importance for our innovation portfolio and its associated external engagement, the Associate Vice President for Research Finance and Business Administration position will be revised to provide greater focus on advancing the University’s innovation agenda.  Retitled as Associate Vice President for Research & Innovation, Dr. Patrick Jones will oversee UO’s involvement in the Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network (RAIN) – the statewide initiative to leverage our research strengths and entrepreneurship programs to enable more small business startups – as well as our efforts on a number of fronts to further external engagement. These efforts include the RIGE Research Core Facilities, state, regional and federal partnerships (including national laboratories), industry partnerships and the RIGE property management supporting them. Pat will articulate the office’s innovation agenda with other business and academic units.

Ms. Moira Kiltie will be promoted to Senior Assistant Vice President for Research (AVPR). With the adoption of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Moira has been tasked with working through the implementation process, which includes greater systematization of research appointments. She also will oversee Sponsored Projects Services (SPS), be responsible for campus-wide faculty and staff training, and implement the divisional FY15 budget for the office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. Moira’s expertise in all RIGE areas, including Finance and Business Administration, allows her to step in and fill many roles. 

The campus is fortunate that Research Associate Professor Dr. Cassandra Moseley will be assisting in the implementation of the CBA with NTTF faculty. She joins us in a part-time, limited-duration role as a Senior Project Leader, and will work with our colleagues in Academic Affairs and General Counsel. Cass will bring the on-the-ground research perspective to the development and implementation of new processes and procedures mandated as part of the contract with United Academics.

Additionally, Ms. Stacy Williams-Wright will transition from her current role as Administrative Director to the position of Divisional Budget Director for the entire RIGE portfolio. She will fill a significant need both in the immediate and long term budget processes for RIGE and research at the UO.  Stacy has an in-depth knowledge of the university budget process and a historic knowledge and understanding of RIGE budgets, coupled with her administrative skills she will be invaluable in coordinating the financial infrastructure related to Centers/Institutes and RIGE Research Core Facilities.

After serving as Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Studies for the past five years, Dr. Sandra Morgen will return to faculty, effective January 31, 2014. It has been my pleasure working with Sandi to advance graduate education on our campus. With Dr. Andy Berglund currently serving as Interim Associate Dean, an open search for both permanent, part-time associate dean positions will be posted shortly. Stay tuned for an announcement of a RIGE event in the early spring to recognize and celebrate Sandi’s service.

To facilitate continued success in the national and state landscapes, our organization must be flexible and evolve in an ongoing manner. These revisions address both our immediate and longer term needs, and are intended to enable further advancement in our mission. As always, I welcome your questions and appreciate your feedback – and please distribute this message as indicated.

Sincerely,
Kimberly