The Research, Economic Development, and Innovation (REDI) Liaison role involves designated representatives, typically associate deans for research and other key research stakeholders selected by their deans, who serve as key connectors between their academic units and REDI. REDI is an administrative division that provides support for faculty, student and staff research, scholarship, creative activity, innovation and economic development. While REDI does not direct or define the research agendas of faculty or students, it provides the administrative infrastructure, services and expertise that enable and facilitate scholarly work across campus. 

REDI Liaisons participate in a working group that meets in person approximately twice per semester. During these sessions, REDI Liaisons: 

• serve as REDI’s primary conduit for timely dissemination of information concerning their college or unit, including opportunities and relevant updates to faculty 
• convey questions and feedback from faculty in their colleges to REDI leadership  
• provide input on emerging initiatives and strategic priorities 
• receive timely updates on research support services, policies and infrastructure 
• collaborate on addressing challenges related to funding, compliance, partnerships and other research-related systems 
• help identify and connect new collaborative research opportunities 
• participate in the review of 4VA grant proposals that promote cross-institutional collaboration 
• provide timely feedback to support the development of REDI policies and SOPs. 

Through these responsibilities, REDI Liaisons play a vital role in strengthening JMU’s research culture by fostering connectivity, collaboration and access to opportunities across colleges. 

The REDI Liaison role strengthens communication, alignment and strategic engagement between REDI leadership and Academic Affairs. It also incorporates faculty governance perspectives, through participation by the Faculty Senate’s Marshall and by Liaisons serving as representatives of the faculty in their respective college, ensuring institutional research support structures appropriately reflect and respond to the diverse scholarly needs of the university community. 

2025-26 REDI Liasions

• Melinda Adams, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Letters
• BJ Bryson, Associate Dean, College of Health and Behavioral Studies
• Allison Fagan, Associate Dean, Honors College
• Eric Guinivan, Interim Associate Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Dayna Henry, Assistant Director, Center for Faculty Innovation
• Mark L’Esperance, Dean, College of Education
• Ben Selznick, Associate Professor and Advisor of Postsecondary Analysis and Leadership,
  Strategic Leadership Studies
• Yasmeen Shorish, Associate Dean for Research & Scholarly Communications, Libraries; Special Advisor to the Provost on Artificial Intelligence
• Hui Sono, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Business
• Afzal Upal, Associate Dean, College of Integrated Science and Engineering
• Steven Whitmeyer, Associate Dean for Research & Scholarship, College of Science and Mathematics