Essential Functions
These are the job duties required of the position.
Essential Functions
THE OPPORTUNITY
The University of South Alabama invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Research and Economic Development.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama (USA) was founded in 1963. At 60 years and many buildings later, USA is a vibrant university that continues to serve as a catalyst for transformational change that impacts our state, the Gulf Coast region and the world. USA’s story began in the early 1960s, when Mobile’s civic leaders saw the need to improve access to higher education in southwest Alabama. Realizing the region had outgrown the small extension program that operated out of a building downtown, they formulated plans for a four-year, degree-granting institution. On May 3, 1963, a bill creating a new, independent university successfully passed the Alabama Legislature, and USA was born.
Classes began in June 1964 at a new, $1 million building in west Mobile with an initial enrollment of 276. The extent of the pent-up demand for education became obvious when the first fall semester began. Enrollment leaped to 928 — and it continues to grow. Today, USA enrolls more than 13,500 students annually and has awarded more than 90,000 degrees. Its alumni are leaders in business, industry, healthcare, education and the arts.
As new programs attracted more students, the University’s footprint and facilities expanded. Almost from the moment USA accepted its first students, leaders began ambitiously working toward establishing a medical school. The Whiddon College of Medicine charter class began in 1973, and USA’s focus on health education was later complemented by the College of Nursing and the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions.
Today, USA provides a high-quality education in business, the liberal arts, education, engineering, computing, the sciences and healthcare. South’s 1,200-acre campus has been transformed over the past decade with new facilities and resources. It offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through its 11 colleges and schools. On the east side of Mobile Bay, USA’s Baldwin County campuses provide Eastern Shore residents with convenient access to healthcare and educational programs.
USA is a comprehensive research institution where faculty have created an environment that supports curiosity and discovery. Its researchers are problem-solvers and pioneers in developing new technologies and promoting bold ideas to create targeted solutions for today’s complex world.
USA Health – through Children’s & Women’s Hospital, University Hospital, Providence Hospital, Mitchell Cancer Institute, Academic Physician practices, Health Care Authority practices and the Whiddon College of Medicine – provides care across our region and, along with the College of Nursing and Covey College of Allied Health Professions, is an extraordinary training ground for future physicians and healthcare professionals.
A charter member of the Sun Belt Conference, USA fields 17 Division I sports teams, and is routinely recognized for excellence in both athletics and academics. USA is the proud home to Hancock Whitney Stadium and the Mitchell Center arena, which hosts all Jaguars home football and basketball games and other events. The University of South Alabama continues upward and onward as the Flagship of the Gulf Coast.
More information about USA can be found online at www.southalabama.edu/aboutusa/.
USA Campus and Mobile, Alabama
The University of South Alabama is fortunate to be strategically located in an international commercial hub, providing unprecedented opportunities for scholars and students to explore the frontiers of their fields. Given the University’s coastal location, its many innovations in marine science, coastal weather forecasting and research, coastal resilience and environmental fields are not surprising. Boasting one of the three fastest growing ports in America, the synergy created by the intersection of building ships, airplanes and an expanding railway system is undeniable. USA researchers are also creating new nanomaterials, attracting the interest of Mobile’s burgeoning aerospace industry.
The beautiful, tree-shaded main campus of the University spreads across 1,200 acres, with a landscape that includes cultivated flower gardens, walking paths and groves of pine trees, miles of bike trails, indoor and outdoor pools and a disc golf course. The Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail contains more than three miles of trails that wind through 95 acres of native pine and oak woodlands.
More information about Mobile can be found online at www.southalabama.edu/aboutusa/gulfcoast/.
Research at the University of South Alabama
Faculty and scholars at the University of South Alabama promote an environment where curiosity and discovery are given free rein. Within this culture, the university can respond to our citizens and global issues with bold ideas infused with creative energy. The outcomes are high-quality research and scholarship, new information and opportunities, the transformation of traditional disciplines, new partnerships, the formation of emerging fields of inquiry, and innovation for societal applications.
An ad hoc committee on the University’s Research Classification is currently developing a strategic plan for achieving R1 Carnegie status. The Vice President for Research and Economic Development will play an important leadership role in realizing this goal.
Please see the following links to learn more about research and economic development at the University of South Alabama:
Office of Research and Economic Development Organizational Chart
www.southalabama.edu/departments/research/resources/research-org-chart3.pdf
Sponsored Research, Clinical Trials, and IP Management Activity Reports:
www.southalabama.edu/departments/research/research-reports.html
Research Centers, Service Centers, and Institutes
https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/research/research-centers/
USA has created Centers and Institutes that support the teaching, discovery, and service missions of the University. These units offer a cadre of highly qualified faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students, and focused expertise and resources toward advancement of scientific, educational and creative activities.
Technology and Research Park
www.southalabama.edu/departments/research/tech-park/
The USA Technology & Research Park, launched in April 2002, is a major economic initiative of the University of South Alabama. It marries University resources with innovative enterprises in a single location that broadens educational experiences for students, generates new research opportunities for faculty and offers growth prospects for industry. The Tech Park directly supports the commercialization of USA technologies and entrepreneurship. Never before have the academic, private, and public sectors shared such a common vision – a vision that recognizes innovation as a critical component to economic growth and competitive advantage. Through Park generated strategic alliances and the alignment of resources and talent, we help industries to thrive and prosper. The Park is a conduit to strategic alliances that enhances business in the global marketplace. Looking to the future, the Tech Park is finalizing its Master Plan.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Vice President for Research and Economic Development reports directly to the President and indirectly to the Executive Vice President/Provost. The Vice President is also a member of the President’s Council and interacts closely with other senior leaders, deans, and directors of research centers, institutes, and programs. The Vice President provides leadership for advancing the research goals of USA across the following areas:
- Energizing and growing the research enterprise in all disciplines from arts and humanities to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by providing oversight, management, and direction for the Office of Research and Economic Development
- Creating visibility for research and economic development and its programs with faculty and students, campus leaders, and external stakeholders
- Developing and supporting the campus-wide execution of a new research and economic development strategic plan
- Establishing productive relationships with faculty, staff, and students, including partnering with key stakeholders outside of USA
- Providing focus and support to secure grant awards from governmental and private sources while at the same time supporting sponsored research infrastructure and personnel resources to ensure sustainability and growth
- Fostering an active, inclusive research culture across disciplines for faculty, staff, students, and trainees
- Ensuring policies and procedures are best practices and support USA’s research goals and obligations
- Supporting a knowledgeable and compliant researcher community through programs and training in the responsible conduct of research
- Overseeing economic development to support faculty engagement with industry including the issues of faculty time/commitment and permissible use of university resources
The Vice President is an important part of the institution’s leadership team. At USA, senior leaders exhibit a broad range of skills and competencies, and the institution continues to enhance its support for executive growth and resiliency. A Vice President who builds relationships with stakeholders by relying on effective communication, collaboration, and building trust will be most successful at also ensuring accountability, managing conflict, and adapting to changing conditions. Vice Presidents are also expected to have a clear decision-making methodology that incorporates a global perspective. The executive leadership team is at its strongest when its members engage with campus opportunities and challenges openly and courageously to advance our mission.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The University of South Alabama’s next Vice President for Research and Economic Development will be a bold and inspirational leader with intellectual breadth (could be evidenced by a successful record of research); strong interpersonal skills; management and administrative acumen, including financial and resource planning; demonstrated expertise in research-driven programs and policies; experience developing and leveraging partnerships; and success in leading diverse, complex teams and/or organizations.
The successful candidate must have significant leadership and management experience who communicates with ease across a variety of stakeholders and audiences. Candidates must understand the complexities, emerging trends, and best practices in research administration, value the different experiences, scholarship and creative activities of faculty and students across all disciplines, have a commitment to shared governance, and possess the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring together researchers from broad backgrounds to enhance the institution’s research collaborations locally, nationally, and internationally.
Candidates should also have an outstanding research administration record, an abiding commitment to inclusion and integrity, and possess a proven ability to inspire, motivate, and facilitate the success of others. Direct work with federal and other funding agencies is desirable. It is preferred that the candidate has demonstrated success in obtaining extramural funding to support research.
Candidates must also have the experience to successfully advance USA’s research enterprise by encouraging entrepreneurial activity and facilitating innovative thinking. The Vice President will provide a vision for enhancing USA’s regional and national leadership in research, scholarship, and creative work by maximizing the intellectual power of the campus.
EDUCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The Vice President can either possess a terminal degree and a record of recognized professional and scholarly achievement that would warrant appointment as a professor at the University of South Alabama in their respective field of study – or – the Vice President can possess a record of recognized professional achievement that would warrant appointment as a professional staff member.
COMPENSATION
The University of South Alabama offers an attractive compensation and benefits package commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.
NOMINATIONS, APPLICATIONS AND EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
The University of South Alabama has retained the services of the executive search firm Korn Ferry. Applicants should submit the following two documents below (in two separate PDFs) directly to Korn Ferry. Nominations and expressions of interest should be sent to Korn Ferry.
1. An up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae or resume, as appropriate.
2. A brief (2-4 pages) letter of interest describing why you are interested in the role of Vice President for Research and Economic Development at the University of South Alabama, why you would be successful based on your professional experience, and why you are pursuing this opportunity.
For priority consideration, please submit all application materials, nominations, or expressions of interest by March 29, 2024. The two documents (in PDF) should be sent directly to Dr. Josh Ward at Josh.Ward@KornFerry.com.
KORN FERRY CONTACTS
Josh Ward, PhD, MPhil
Senior Client Partner
Education and Academic Medicine
Korn Ferry
Josh.Ward@KornFerry.com
(405) 640-3994
