Mission Statement and Implementation

The Vice Provost of Research and Public Service (RPS) aims to develop innovative opportunities that promote scholarly activities for the university community and advance economic development for the state and region.

To achieve this mission, the Office of the Vice Provost:

• Facilitates Strategic Alliances:
  Represent the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs with key audiences and continue to build strategic alliances, especially in Richmond and Washington. Serve as the liaison for the University to Congress of the United States. At the request of the Governor, continue to serve and leverage opportunities for the university as Co-Chair of the Virginia Research and Technology Advisory Commission.

• Supports premier research and service centers:
• • Institute for Infrastructure and Information Assurance
  • Mine Action Information Center
  • Center for Assessment and Research Studies
  • International Beliefs and Values Institute
  • James Madison Center

• Seeks sponsored program funding and enhance research opportunities:
  Enhance research for faculty, students, and staff development, especially in the following focused areas:
• • Biotechnology/Health and Life Sciences
  • Nanotechnology/Advanced Materials
  • Homeland Security and National Defense
  • Alternative Energy and Environmental Sustainability
  • Education Reform in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
  • Accountability and Outcomes Assessment

• Enhances the climate and infrastructure to support intellectual property:
  Enhance the climate and infrastructure to support intellectual property and technology transfer through the development of more support vehicles for faculty and staff and sustaining Office of Technology Transfer.

• Supports regional economic advancement:
  Support economic innovation through active partnerships among business, government, education (including K-12), regional technology and workforce efforts, and connectivity with state university economic development resources.  Unify presence for five counties and five cities in the central Shenandoah Valley for economic development initiatives. Provide assistance in marketing and business assistance for the Shenandoah Valley region. Promote new investment, strengthen existing business, and guide labor force development to ensure a healthy economic future for the region.