A new research-related position has been created at WKU. Larry Snyder, who currently serves as the associate dean of Potter College of Arts and Letters, will become the Interim Associate Provost for Research and Creative Activity starting on July 1.

Provost Gordon Emslie announced the position via email to faculty and staff on Tuesday.

The creation of the position was strongly recommended by the Research Council Working Group and the faculty senate ad hoc Committee on Research, according to the email.

Snyder will be responsible for the RCAP and FUSE programs, the Applied Research and Technology Program, the Green River Preserve, the Research Compliance office. He will also communicate with the Intellectual Property Committee and assist in day-to-day issues within the Office of Sponsored Programs. 

Additional matters related to the reorganization of the Office of Research will be addressed by President Gary Ransdell. 

The reorganization of the Office of Research began in January when the vice president for research was eliminated and the responsibilities were split between Emslie and Ann Mead, senior vice president for Finance and Administration. Gordon Baylis, who held the position before it was cut, is now a professor in the department of psychological sciences. 

The full email is below: 

Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to inform you that Dr. Larry Snyder has accepted an offer to become Interim Associate Provost for Research & Creative Activity, effective July 1, 2015. The creation of such a position was strongly recommended by the Research Council Working Group and by the Senate ad hoc Committee on Research. The title intentionally broadens the term “research” to explicitly include “creative activity,” thus recognizing that a broad portfolio of research and creative activity not only creates a more vibrant campus atmosphere for our faculty, staff, and students, but also positions the university to achieve an even more enhanced visibility and reputation.

Dr. Snyder will have primary responsibility for the RCAP and FUSE programs, the ARTP and the Green River Preserve, the Research Compliance office, matters under the auspices of the Intellectual Property Committee (including liaison with the IPC Chair), and day-to-day issues within the Office of Sponsored Programs. He will also liaise closely with Associate Provost and Dean Fox in order to optimize the support for graduate student involvement in research and creative activity. Most importantly, he will liaise with colleagues across campus and with the Center for Faculty Development in order to engage faculty in an enhanced level of research and creative activity.

Other matters related to the reorganization of the Office of Research will be addressed shortly in a communication from President Ransdell.

Dr. Snyder has proven himself to be a strong consensus builder, as evidenced in many areas, including his strong leadership in the development of the Colonnade Program, and he has represented WKU admirably to a variety of external constituents.  Please give Larry your full support in this important new role.

Gordon Emslie

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs