New Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Research Named at USU
Scott Bates, associate professor of psychology, has been named the new associate vice president for undergraduate research at Utah State University. He will assume the position in July 2011, replacing Joyce Kinkead who has served in the position since 2000. Kinkead will go on sabbatical leave for one year and then return to her faculty appointment in the English department.
The associate vice president for research oversees the undergraduate research program by providing resources to recruit, retain and recognize outstanding faculty and student researchers.
In this new position, Bates will supervise undergraduate research programs that promote and share research both on and off campus, including programs such as Student Showcase and Research on Capitol Hill. He will also oversee funding programs for undergraduate research.
Bates received his doctorate from Colorado State University and has been a member of the USU psychology department since 2003.
“We considered many interested and qualified candidates for the position,” said Brent Miller, vice president for research. “Scott Bates stood out in his outstanding dedication to his students. He is a natural advocate for undergraduate research.”
Bates has mentored a number of undergraduate and graduate students and has worked closely with students who have received URCO grants. He is a member of USU’s Honors Advisory Board and has served as an honors thesis advisor for his students. Bates is also a member of the psychology department’s Undergraduate Steering Committee.
“Scott Bates understands what this position entails, especially when it comes to working with and supporting undergraduate researchers,” said Jeff Broadbent, associate vice president for research integrity and support. “He comes into this position with energy and enthusiasm. He has a passion for this work that will spread to those around him.”
“I am very excited to serve in this position,” said Bates. “I look forward to working closely with the students and continuing to elevate the program that Joyce Kinkead has made such a success.”
Kinkead, who has served as associate vice president for research for the past 11 years, has been a vigorous advocate for student research and has created a strong foundation for undergraduate research to build on at USU.
“Since Joyce Kinkead’s appointment as associate vice president for research, an impressive number of programs for undergraduate research at USU have been established, most of them due to her efforts to elevate learning opportunities for students,” Miller said.
“At Utah State University, we celebrate and promote undergraduate student achievement,” Kinkead said. “I am proud to have been part of those efforts.”
Jeanne Thomas, head of the English department, said Kinkead alerted the department to her desire to return more than a year ago.
“She’s been an active scholar and teacher while an administrator and we welcome her as a valuable senior member of the faculty,” Thomas said.
Undergraduate research was initiated at USU in 1975, making it the second oldest such program in the nation. Over the past decade, the program has achieved national prominence.
Undergraduate research is a hallmark of undergraduate education at Utah State.
The mission of the Research office at USU is to facilitate and stimulate research, scholarship and creative activities by providing resources to recruit, retain and recognize outstanding faculty and student researchers. The Undergraduate Research program exists, as part of the Research office, to provide a cooperative process of discovery, investigation, research or creativity between faculty and students. Students think, explore and reflect most effectively through hands-on learning. The program provides resources to both the students and their faculty mentors to support these scholarly and creative efforts.
“USU is strongly committed to promoting opportunities for students to work with scholars engaged in research,” said Miller. “Joyce has been a tremendous asset to the research office. We wish her well in her many future endeavors.”
Related links:
Contact: USU Vice President for Research Office, 435-797-1180
Scott Bates, associate professor of psychology, has been named associate vice president for undergraduate research at Utah State University. He assumes the position July 2011, replacing Joyce Kinkead who has served in the position since 2000.
SHARE
TRANSLATE
Comments and questions regarding this article may be directed to the contact person listed on this page.
