University of Arkansas’ top research officer resigns

Daniel Sui, vice chancellor for research and innovation at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville since October 2018, is leaving the school for a job at Virginia Tech University. The UA announced Sui’s departure Friday (Sept. 11) in a news release. Sui will start his job as Virginia Tech’s vice president for research and innovation on Nov. 1.

“We are grateful to Dan for his leadership in a time of transition for the Office of Research and Innovation,” UA Chancellor Joe Steinmetz said in a statement. “He has done a great job building the infrastructure to support faculty research and improving our systems for research awards and expenditures, ensuring we are in alignment with national best practices, helping to establish and position a distinct research office following its separation from economic development. His work to help launch the planning for the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research and the accompanying facility has been helpful and much appreciated.”

Before coming to Arkansas, Sui was a division director at the National Science Foundation and professor in Ohio State University’s Department of Geography.

Virginia Tech is currently ranked in the top 5% of universities in the nation for research expenditures and No. 48 with approximately $532 million in research expenditures by the National Science Foundation. During his tenure at the UA, Sui grew research expenditures to a new high of $180.2 million in 2019.

Steinmetz named John English, dean of the College of Engineering, to serve as interim vice chancellor for research and innovation, effective Nov. 1. English will serve a 12-month term.

Interim Provost Charles Robinson will name an interim dean for the College of Engineering, according to the release.