"Vice President for Research and Economic Development"

East Texas A&M University (ETAMU) seeks a forward thinking and collaborative Vice President for Research and Economic Development (VPRED) to guide the institution through a period of significant momentum and growth.

As a recently designated R2 research university, ETAMU has doubled its research funding over five years and continues to expand doctoral offerings. The next VPRED will play a central role in sustaining this trajectory by collaborating across the University to create a clear strategy for long term research expansion and enabling the success of faculty, staff, and students. This individual should be adept at linking institutional strengths with regional needs and national trends, ensuring ETAMU remains both relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing research landscape. Collaboration sits at the heart of ETAMU's research mission and the next VPRED must be a dynamic relationship builder capable of forging strong cross campus, System wide, and external partnerships.

East Texas A&M University is a rapidly growing, student-ready institution with a rising national profile. Founded in 1889, the university brings forward a 137-year legacy of excellence and is the third-largest institution in The Texas A&M University System. Serving approximately 13,000 students, East Texas A&M offers more than 140 quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs across multiple locations and online. The University's 2024-2029 Strategic Plan serves as the foundation for building a strong and vibrant university that continues to excel in serving rural and urban Texas. Strategic goals include: 1) Ensuring student preparedness; 2) Elevating research; 3) Creating a welcoming community; 4) Aligning initiatives with the University's rural-urban identity; and 5) Modernizing University operations and business practices.

A detailed leadership profile is available at wittkieffer.com.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal. Applicants should submit, as separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest that addresses the themes outlined in this profile. WittKieffer is assisting East Texas A&M University in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 18, 2026.

Nominations and inquiries can also be directed to Ryan Crawford, Natalie Song, and Bronwen Bares Pelaez, Ph.D., at ETAMU-VPRED@wittkieffer.com.

East Texas A&M University is an Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.