Vice President for Research

Chapman University seeks an experienced leader with a deep background in research administration and strong knowledge of graduate education to serve as its next Vice President for Research (VPR).

Chapman University has gained national recognition with its commitment to excellence in research, scholarly and creative inquiry, and innovative teaching. Chapman attracts high-achieving national and international undergraduate, graduate and professional degree students. The latest educational and technological resources are available to students on both the Orange and Rinker campuses. These campuses combine elegant, historically relevant architecture with modern facilities. Over the last two decades, Chapman has achieved remarkable growth in both size and national prominence. The university consists of two campuses, a campus in Orange that serves both undergraduate and graduate students, and the Rinker Health Science campus in Irvine, which is dedicated to graduate programs in a variety of human health-related disciplines. Together these campuses are home to more than 9,500 students from 49 states, the U.S. territories and more than 60 different countries. Students enroll in eleven schools and colleges that offer rigorous undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences; innovative interdisciplinary programs; select pre-professional and professional degree programs at the master and doctoral level; and graduate master and doctoral programs. The schools and colleges are the Argyros School of Business & Economics, Attallah College of Educational Studies, Dodge College of Film & Media Arts, Crean College of Health & Behavioral Sciences, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences, College of Performing Arts, School of Pharmacy, Fowler School of Law, Schmid College of Science & Technology, Fowler School of Engineering, and the School of Communication.

The VPR reports directly to the Executive Vice President/Provost and is a member of the university’s senior leadership team as well as the Academic Deans’ Council. The VPR works closely with the Provost and the Vice Provost for graduate education to ensure that the administration of faculty research/creative activity and research-based graduate programs are closely aligned in a synergistic relationship. Thus, the VPR will manage the financial and administrative resources needed to foster an environment that promotes the growth of the university’s research and creative enterprise as well as graduate education. The VPR will work collaboratively with the Provost; academic deans; directors of university institutes and centers, including the Center for Undergraduate Excellence; administrative units; and faculty to support innovative, interdisciplinary research strategies. The incoming VPR will be expected to promote and expand funded research opportunities; foster partnerships with industry, community and international groups, and other academic institutions; enhance research and creative opportunities for faculty and undergraduate and graduate students; strengthen compliance practices; provide research development opportunities and training for faculty and staff; and ensure the campus has adequate infrastructure support as research activities develop and grow.

Chapman’s next VPR will be a highly accomplished and experienced administrator with an impeccable track record of successful, transparent and collaborative leadership within a complex research organization, and will have deep experience in the operation and support of research-based graduate education. The next VPR should have the interpersonal, managerial, administrative and communication skills necessary to build and operate an effective research enterprise, and to work productively and in partnership with internal and external colleagues and constituents. The ideal candidate will also be an accomplished researcher who has demonstrated success in building their own research program; has published impactful work in prominent and reputable venues; and has attracted significant support for their research from foundations, private partnerships, government agencies, industry and/or other funding entities. The VPR will have knowledge of and a deep commitment to research compliance and integrity, and possess the ability and acumen to help translate research for societal gain and transfer technologies for commercial applications. Candidates must be qualified to hold an appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure at Chapman.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

WittKieffer is assisting Chapman University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 16, 2022.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal.  Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Zachary A. Smith, Lauren Bruce-Stets and Jenna Brumleve at ChapmanVPR@wittkieffer.com.

Chapman University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing career opportunities to all people, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.