Graduate and research leadership role to be split

Jim Oris will retire in June

Miami University’s board of trustees at this month’s meeting approved a resolution to separate the positions of dean of the Graduate School and university chief research officer.

Jim Oris currently fulfills both positions of dean of the Graduate School and associate provost for research and scholarship. Provost Jason Osborne submitted the resolution for the positions of dean of the Graduate School and vice president for research and innovation. Each will lead their respective areas and will report directly to the provost.

“For Miami to meet the ambitious goals of the strategic plan, we need two people focusing energy on innovation in these two related but distinct areas,” Osborne told trustees.

Effective Oct. 1, Oris will serve as vice president for research and innovation. The title is in line with that of chief research officers at other universities in Ohio and across the nation. The new title will also provide clarity to individuals and organizations in and outside of Miami as to the role this position plays within the university, said Osborne.

The provost expects to soon name an interim dean of the Graduate School to serve while a national search for a permanent dean is conducted.

A national search will also be conducted for a vice president for research and innovation to replace Oris, who has announced his intention to retire from Miami June 30, 2020.

Both positions are anticipated to be filled by July 1, 2020.