Daniel Sui (pictured), a professor in Ohio State University (OSU)’s department of geography, is to move to University of Arkansas on October 1 to become vice-chancellor for research and innovation.
Sui will act as chief research officer, reporting directly to Jim Coleman, executive vice-chancellor and provost, on his efforts to drive innovation and advance the university’s research programs and infrastructure.
He will work alongside faculty, deans and administrators, as well as stakeholders in federal, industrial and non-profit organisations.
The role includes responsibility for research administration, compliance, interdisciplinary centres, undergraduate research and optimisation of space, in addition to overseeing the academic publishing arm, University of Arkansas Press.
Though employed by OSU, Sui is currently on assignment as division director for social and economic sciences at government-owned research agency National Science Foundation’s Directorate of Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences.
Sui had chaired OSU’s department of geography from 2011 until 2015 and its Center for Urban and Regional Analysis from 2009 until 2012, prior to which he was assistant vice-president for research and a faculty member at Texas A&M University.
News of Sui’s appointment comes as Arkansas continues its strategic plan for research and economic development from 2015 until 2020, which stresses the importance of building national or international-standard research facilities and cultures.
Joe Steinmetz, chancellor of University of Arkansas, said: “He is thoughtful and strategic, and his skills and experience make him an excellent choice to take the lead role in developing and implementing strategies to enhance the university’s research and discovery mission.”
– Picture of courtesy of University of Arkansas
