As part of West Virginia Universitys continued focus on strengthening and advancing research, the position in charge of research and economic development is being elevated to a vice presidential post, WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. announced today (May 20). Current Associate Provost John D. Weete will assume the new title effective immediately.
“The vice presidency is a recognition of the advancing stature of WVU ’s research and its vital importance to our mission, Hardesty said.”WVU continues to grow as a national research university through the efforts of Dr. Weete and his staff. We want to stress, at every opportunity, that WVU ’s research enterprise is vital to the state, the nation and international communities.”
WVU is one of just a handful of universities classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctoral/Research University-Extensive. Others such as Penn State, Purdue and Tennessee already have vice presidents for research and economic development.
“Elevating the position to the level of vice president reflects the transition WVU has undergone in recent years,”said Provost Gerald Lang.”The research enterprise at West Virginia University has seen tremendous growth, not only in terms of funding from external sources, but in technology transfer and economic development.”
As the University extends its research efforts, it is important for WVU s constituents to know research is a major focus of attention, Lang added. By upgrading this position, the University is conveying that message, he said.
“Im appreciative of the confidence shown in me by the president and provost and their commitment to our research enterprise,”said Weete, who has been in charge of WVU s research efforts since 1998 and also serves as president/executive director of the WVU Research Corporation.
“It reemphasizes and sends another message that WVU takes very seriously its mission of researchit shows were stepping up to the plate.”
Under Weetes leadership, WVU s funding for sponsored projects and research from external sources reached its highest levels in the history of the University in 2001$89 million. With two months remaining in the current year, funding has already exceeded $110 million. In addition, technology transfer activity has flourished and development of interdisciplinary programs and strategic partnerships have increased. The University also is developing a research park off WV Route 705 that will pave the way for companies interested in locating near a major research university. The partnerships that will be created will result in economic growth opportunities for the area while advancing research programs already under way at WVU .”Weve made a lot of strides, but theres more work to be done and challenges that lie ahead,”Weete said.”Well soon be developing a new set of goals to take us through the next four to five years. Im confident well reachand possibly exceedour goals for growing and enriching research at WVU .”