Jean Mercer will join the Office of Research and Engagement as assistant vice chancellor for research and director of the Office of Sponsored Programs on January 4, 2016.

Mercer has extensive experience in research administration in higher education, most recently serving as the director of grant services in the Office of Research Administration at Indiana University. While there, she supervised and reviewed the processing of all grant and contract applications to external agencies and the receipt of awards and contracts from these organizations, instructed and advised faculty and staff on proposal preparation, and supervised a staff of thirty. Mercer also helped implement a new grant administration software.