I have been at the university for just over two weeks now and am so grateful for the many messages of welcome I have received from the campus community. Thank you for your warmth and generosity; I am delighted to become one of the newest members of the Volunteer family.

I am extremely grateful to Matthew Mench for leading the UT discovery enterprise for the past eight months, and for guiding our community’s response to the ongoing pandemic. Matthew’s advice and guidance helped ensure that my transition into the university was as smooth as I dared hope for. Thank you, Matthew.

Deborah Crawford will join the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as vice chancellor for research beginning August 1, Chancellor Donde Plowman announced today.

Crawford

Crawford currently serves as vice president of research, innovation and economic impact at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Over the past four years, she has led George Mason’s research enterprise, including the creation of three multidisciplinary research institutes and four university research centers.

“The value and importance of innovation have never been clearer than in recent weeks and months, and I’m pleased to have such an accomplished scientist and leader joining our team,” Plowman said. “Dr. Crawford brings a unique combination of experience and expertise that will help elevate the impact of our research.”

Message from Chancellor Donde Plowman:

I am pleased to announce that Matthew Mench, head of the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, has agreed to serve as interim vice chancellor for research and engagement beginning December 1.

Dr. Mench is a proven leader and researcher whose work is among the top in his field. I greatly appreciate his willingness to step forward in service and leadership during this time of transition. He will take on the role vacated by Robert Nobles, who most recently served as interim vice chancellor since August 2018 and has accepted a position at Emory University. Dr. Mench will not seek the position on a permanent basis, and he will return to his previous role upon hire of the next vice chancellor.