SUBJECT:

Appointment of New Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Faith Kirkham Hawkins as the new Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research in the Office of Research Affairs. Dr. Hawkins will join us full time effective September 16, 2019.

Dr. Hawkins comes to us with over a decade of experience in higher education research administration. Most recently, she served as Associate Vice President for Research Development and Strategic Initiatives for the Indiana University system, where she had primary oversight of the Grand Challenges research program. She also served as leader of the system-wide internal funding programs as well as research centers and institutes.

Prior to that appointment, she served as Indiana University’s Chief of Staff to the Vice President for Research, where she worked collaboratively across campus on research issues including regulatory compliance, federal research policy, enhancing the research portfolio, and procedural and budgetary concerns.

In addition to Indiana University, Dr. Hawkins has taught at Emory University and Gustavus Adolphus College. She received her undergraduate degree from Smith College, her master’s degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and her doctorate in philosophy from Emory University.

Working in concert with the Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of Research Affairs team, Dr. Hawkins will continue to develop and promote essential services and resources that enhance our world-class research enterprise; enable partnerships between UC San Diego and government, industry and other research institutions; and support infrastructure and policies that promote innovation.

Dr. Hawkins was a member of the inaugural class of the APLU Council on Research Leadership Fellows. Her work in research affairs—both as leader of strategic initiatives and as chief of staff—combined with her faculty experience, give her the breadth of knowledge and skills necessary for this key position.

She replaces Dr. Laurie Owen, who is stepping down after seven years of dedicated service to the University of California. In her time at UC San Diego, Dr. Owen has overseen restructuring and budget adjustments in Research Affairs, including the replacement of four cesium radiators that saved the campus over $1 million in disposal charges. She has also championed the investment in a suite of enterprise software programs (Kuali Research, COI and IRB) that will allow for a more cohesive, seamless interaction for researchers throughout the UC San Diego system. Additionally, she has been an innovative advocate regarding campus compliance with changing requirements from federal sponsors. Research Affairs thanks her for her stellar service and effervescent humor, and wishes her well in the future.

Please join me in welcoming Faith Hawkins to UC San Diego and the Office of Research Affairs.

Sandra A. Brown Vice Chancellor for Research