Utah State University (USU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Research and Innovation.
Utah State University seeks a Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) with the drive and vision to grow our nationally competitive research enterprise built upon the extraordinary foundation of our strong faculty, R1 university standing, and statewide land-grant reach. With a research portfolio that already exceeds $521 million, the opportunity for the next VPRI is to develop a larger network and strategic vision to propel the next phase of advancing knowledge, building partnerships, and turning discovery into impact at USU. The VPRI will do this by making innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and new approaches to inquiry central to USU’s research future.
The VPRI will sustain and advance the university’s government-funded research enterprise while building durable relationships with prominent global corporations, industrial research laboratories, product-development organizations, state and regional partners, and other universities. The leader will connect fundamental discovery with applied research, commercialization, entrepreneurship, public benefit, and student opportunity, while continuing to support the institution’s commitment to scholarship and creative work across all disciplines.
Working with the president, cabinet, deans, faculty, and external stakeholders, the VPRI will align priorities with USU’s strategic plan, strengthen its R1 research culture, modernize research support, expand graduate research capacity, and further position USU as a sought-after partner across public and private sectors.
A complete Search Profile with additional information about the University and the responsibilities of the position can be found above.
For full consideration, applications should be received by January 6, 2027
Candidates should provide the following:
Applications should be in PDF format and submitted through the AGB Search portal at: VP Research and Innovation - Utah State University
Nominations and expressions of interest may be submitted to: UtahStateVPRI@agbsearch.com
AGB Search is assisting with this search. Nominators and prospective applicants may contact the search consultants for additional information:
Laura Woodworth-Ney, Ph.D. - Principal
laura.woodworth-ney@agbsearch.com
Jerome A. “Jerry” Gilbert, Ph.D. - Executive Search Consultant
Jerry.gilbert@agbsearch.com
Susan C. Puryear, Ed.D. – Executive Search Consultant
Susan.puryear@agbsearch.com
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