Dr. Tongen assumed the role of Vice Provost for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors in the summer of 2020, building on his previous service as interim Co-Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship, a role he shared with current Associate Vice Provost Keith Holland. In his current role, he works closely with units, including the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Office of Research Integrity and the Institutional Review Board, and colleges to ensure faculty and students have the support needed to thrive in a discovery-driven environment, especially as the university transitions from regional to national status. Prioritizing innovation, collaboration, creativity and entrepreneurship, Anthony fosters relationships across the university through his cross-divisional partnerships with Advancement and Administration and Finance, as well as service on the Provost’s Leadership Team.

In the past four years, R&S has made exceptional research, scholarship and creative endeavors performed by JMU faculty and students more widely accessible than ever before. To support this, Dr. Tongen led efforts to improve JMU’s research support and compliance infrastructure, helping grow external funding to more than $20 million annually. He and the R&S team are currently working with colleges to ensure that all field and on-campus research activities meet rigorous standard operating procedures.

Arriving at JMU in 2005, Anthony currently holds the rank of professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He has held several administrative positions at the university, including Assistant Department Head of Mathematics and Statistics, Co-Director of the Center for STEM Education and Outreach and Associate Dean in the College of Science and Mathematics. Dr. Tongen earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Northwestern University. His research interests include mathematical biology and game theory.