Vice President for Research and Partnerships

The University of Oklahoma (“University” or “OU”) seeks an ambitious, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as the Vice President for Research and Partnerships (“VPRP”). The VPRP will join the University at an exciting inflection point in its trajectory and will work with leadership, faculty, staff, and students across all of OU’s campuses to accelerate growth in research and increase the impact the University can have on Oklahoma and beyond. This newly created role unites the powerful research enterprises on the three campuses in Norman, the OU Health Sciences Center (“OUHSC”) in Oklahoma City and the OU campus in Tulsa. This new leader will establish this novel configuration across the three campuses, building a powerful research enterprise that spans, coalesces, and ignites the whole of OU. Reporting directly to the President of OU, the VPRP serves as a key member of the President’s Senior Executive Leadership Team and will play a central role in advancing OU’s presence in national research rankings and meeting its most ambitious aspirations.

The University is at the midpoint of its current strategic plan, “Lead On, University,” which outlines a priority goal of enriching and positively impacting Oklahoma, the Nation, and the World through pioneering research and creative activity. Since launching the Strategic Plan, the university has made tremendous progress with new, transformative initiatives like the creation of a fully integrated academic health system, launching the OU Polytechnic Institute and OU Online, joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and adding premier freshman housing, to name just a few. Additionally, the university has improved across all student success metrics, enjoyed record fundraising, research, and legislative funding, and has welcomed three consecutive record-breaking first-year classes.

OU’s research enterprise has grown significantly and the university has bold aspirations to further elevate its standing as one of the most impactful public research universities in the country. In 2023, OU ranked 71^st in the nation for overall research expenditures at $437 million, according to the published data from the Higher Education Research and Development survey released by the National Science Foundation. Over the last decade, research expenditures have increased 72% and continue to rise considerably, placing OU among the top 8 percent of research universities nationwide and positioning it as the fourth-fastest-growing research institution in the country.  The Norman campus continues to build on its established leadership in extreme weather and radar research, aerospace and defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing—areas that position the university as a significant player in addressing key national and global security challenges. At OUHSC, nationally recognized programs in diabetes and cancer research have propelled its success, and the University has advanced in the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research rankings, with a rank of 102 in 2024, up from 122 just a year earlier. OU’s goals to increase its national recognition and impact and advance to the ranks of the American Association of Universities (AAU) under a new VPRP altogether make this among the most singularly transformative research leadership opportunities in the country.

A core priority for the next VPRP will be advancing the "One OU" vision—fostering greater collaboration, breaking down historical silos between campuses, and integrating research priorities across Norman, Tulsa, and OUHSC. By streamlining research administration and aligning faculty expertise, infrastructure, and funding strategies, the VPRP will create a more cohesive, efficient, and targeted research enterprise that will tap the institution’s potential for transformative impact.

The successful candidate will possess a proven track record of research leadership at a large, complex institution, ideally with experience spanning both academic and health sciences environments. They will bring deep expertise in securing funding and developing strategic partnerships. They will be an inclusive and visionary leader, skilled at building relationships and inspiring collaboration across disciplines. The VPRP will be someone who embraces the challenges and opportunities inherent in a rapidly growing research environment and has the experience, integrity, and passion to help guide OU to new heights in its research mission. The ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level is required.

LOCATION

This position will be based in Norman, with a regular presence on the other two campuses. The State of Oklahoma offers a pleasant climate with short, mild winters and over 300 days of sunshine per year. There are over 77,000 acres of parks and recreational areas, and the State’s numerous large lakes provide many miles of shoreline. Oklahoma invests heavily in cultural activities and ranks 17^th nationally in per capita spending on the arts.

Norman, OK

Not only is Norman, OK, home to the main campus of the University of Oklahoma, but it is also a close-knit community that welcomes and supports the university. As the third-largest city in the state, it provides the best of both worlds with a small-town feel and big-city resources. Nearly every weekend, Norman provides events free to the public, from the monthly 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk to the annual Chocolate Festival.

For more information, visit:

• https://www.normanok.gov/
• https://www.normanchamber.com/
• https://www.visitnorman.com/

 
Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City offers a modern metropolitan community that includes an abundance of the arts and excellent educational options. It is also a distinctly livable city with a rich quality of life and vibrant entertainment options. Oklahoma City is the 20^th largest city in the U.S. and is often recognized as a popular city in which to live. For example, the Business Insider ranked Oklahoma City as one of the top ten most popular U.S. cities to live in. CNBC recently ranked it as the #1 city for high wages and low cost of living, and it has been ranked as one of the top 10 cities in which to raise a family. The city is pursuing an ambitious development plan, which has attracted considerable national attention while cultural, entertainment, and community events abound.

For more information, visit:

• www.abetterlifeokc.com
• www.okcchamber.com
• www.visitokc.com

 
APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

John Muckle and Vijay Saraswat are leading this search with Raul Bernal and Elizabeth Arvanitis. 

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma:

The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Mission of the University of Oklahoma:

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.