Welcome Sharron Quisenberry
Sharron Quisenberry
Sharron Quisenberry has joined Iowa State as the new vice president for research and economic development (VPRED). Originally from northern Missouri, the former dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, is thrilled to be back in the landscape of her youth.
Quisenberry, who maintained an active research program until she accepted the role of dean in 2003 when her new responsibilities made it impossible to meet with her students and to keep up with current literature, is enthusiastic about her new position for many reasons.
One is her exposure to "the very broad view of the technologies, the tools and the great research people are doing," says Quisenberry. "Within the past decade research capabilities have progressed so that we now have the ability to solve problems, working across disciplines."
Quisenberry's immediate goal is to help the faculty she represents increase the number of research grants and contracts awarded.
"I'm here to facilitate, identify the road blocks and remove them," says Quisenberry, "to make it as easy as possible for our faculty to succeed. I never forget where I came from as a faculty member, many of whom on this campus are outstanding and unique and I always consider how I would feel in their position—you never want to forget that."
Quisenberry takes the helm at a fiscally tough time with the recent economic downturn diminishing state contributions. Nevertheless, Quisenberry expects to significantly increase faculty-earned research dollars over the next three to five years.
The institute is a responsibility of the VPRED and will be reviewed beginning this year as will all the university's many centers and institutes.
Resources should not be looked upon as entitlements, but rather incentives to build capabilities within the university community, explains Quisenberry. "If resources are used effectively and leveraged across units, it is a win-win for everyone."
