A newsletter for friends of RAGS

A newsletter for friends of RAGS

Division of Research, Graduate Studies and Technology Transfer

A NEW GENERATION — MESSAGE FROM VICE PRESIDENT FOR  RESEARCH AND DEAN OF GRADUATE STUDIES, JOHN L. WEST 

Welcome.  In my inaugural edition of the newsletter, we are pleased to give you an overview of Research and Graduate Studies.  You’ll learn a little about the history of the division and, more importantly, about the various services we offer, such as our oversight of graduate education, our support of research and sponsored programs, and the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the marketplace.

We support the Kent State faculty and helping to build effective collaborations that utilize our unique strengths.  For example you will see reports on collaborative projects that support all of our education, research and outreach missions.  These collaborations enhance our ability to secure the external support required to achieve our aggressive goals.  I am particularly pleased that these collaborations helped the university reach a new landmark in external funding, surpassing the $31 million mark for the first time last year.

            I am still relatively new in my position as vice president of research and dean of graduate studies, having assumed the permanent position in July.  I want to thank the fine staff of RAGS or supporting me in my transition.  It is a pure joy to work here.  There have been many changes in our staff over the last year.  Through these changes we have maintained our ethic of service and support for the graduate education and research missions of Kent State.  Our entire team strives to enhance our graduate programs.  Working across the university, and indeed around the region and the world, we will continue to build effective collaborations that will support our mission and goals.   In this time of fiscal austerity, this is one area where we have the complete power to shape our own destiny.   I look forward to our success.