{"id":33367,"date":"2018-07-25T08:13:34","date_gmt":"2018-07-25T14:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/?p=33367"},"modified":"2018-07-25T08:37:59","modified_gmt":"2018-07-25T14:37:59","slug":"smith-returns-to-alma-mater-as-associate-vice-chancellor-of-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/?p=33367","title":{"rendered":"Smith returns to alma mater as Associate Vice Chancellor of Research"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Jessi L Smith;
MSU photo by Kelly Gorham<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Jessi L. Smith, current psychology professor at Montana State University, will join UCCS as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Research Aug. 15. She will be the first full-time person to serve in this role in the university\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

\u201cJessi has an impressive record of being a productive and successful researcher,\u201d Provost Tom Christensen said. \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to working with her to support the growth of faculty and student research.\u201d<\/p>\n

Along with her professor appointment, she served as special assistant to the provost as the Director of ADVANCE. During that time, she led a team to implement a National Science Foundation grant to broaden the participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and social behavioral science fields. Under her leadership, MSU women faculty annual research expenditures more than doubled in just five years time to more than $14 million.<\/p>\n

Smith earned her bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology from UCCS, and her master\u2019s and doctorate\u2019s in social psychology from the University of Utah.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud to come back to my alma mater. UCCS is where I fell in love with research\u201d Smith said. \u201cThe university has made a commitment to research with the expansion of this position and I\u2019m excited to build on the momentum to instill an inclusive culture of research and creativity that inspires students and faculty alike.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smith will serve as a full-time replacement for Kelli Klebe, who served in the previous half-time role along with her half-time appointment as dean of the Graduate School.\u00a0Klebe will remain dean of the Graduate School and return to a half-time faculty appointment in the Department of Psychology.<\/p>\n

The expanded position will provide leadership, oversight and promote growth for campus research and sponsored program activities. Smith will also oversee policies and procedures, and promote professional development of faculty for sponsored programs and research integrity.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt takes a village…as the saying goes\u201d Smith said \u201cand the great news is that I am coming into this position with a wonderful team already in place, a predecessor who is willing to mentor and advise me, and a Provost who is enthusiastic about the mission. Add to this the outstanding students and faculty, and what do you get? The perfect catalyst for careful and creative growth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Provost Christensen thanked the search committee for its outstanding efforts. Committee members:<\/p>\n