Vice President for Research, Creative Activity, and Economic Development

New Mexico State University (NMSU) invites nominations and applications for the role of Vice President for Research, Creativity and Economic Development (VPRCED).

With a main campus location in Las Cruces, NM, the VPRCED serves as the University's Chief Research Officer, guiding research efforts across a broad portfolio of research, including collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts at a significant scale (FY24 research expenditures of $143 million). The next VPRCED will leverage and enhance NMSU's 2025 R1 designation to grow the research enterprise and enhance national and global visibility while aligning their efforts to support ongoing student success, propelled by a focused investment in innovation within the context of the University's land-grant, and space-grant missions.

VPRCED works closely with the academic and community colleges to integrate and enhance research activities for university-wide strategic research growth. In addition, VPRCED provides leadership for acquiring research funding, planning and developing academic research space, research commercialization, incubating new companies, recruiting corporate research partners, and public outreach. VPRCED oversees a research enterprise where 58% of funding comes from federal agencies, making expertise in federal funding priorities and trends essential. Additionally, NMSU's VPRCED must understand how to expand industry-funded research initiatives. NMSU is strategically positioned for research opportunities with the Department of Energy and Department of War, with key partnerships at Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, the Air Force Research Laboratory, White Sands Missile Range, Spaceport America, and the NASA White Sands Test Facility. NMSU is the lead institution responsible for the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program in New Mexico. Through the statewide NM Space Grant Consortium, NMSU serves as a NASA resource for faculty and researchers across all affiliated institutions in the state.

As a land-grant institution, NMSU is also a leader in agricultural research, with critical support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the State of New Mexico, driving innovation in food security, sustainability, and rural development. External funding for arts, humanities, community-engaged research programs, and social sciences has seen a dramatic increase in recent years, and continued growth in these key areas is central to NMSU's progress. NMSU is recognized as a national leader in water-related research, including engineering systems, contaminant characterization and remediation, hydrology and aquifers, community impacts, and agricultural solutions. Other research areas of institutional excellence include cybersecurity (ranked 98th nationally, CSrankings.org), advanced manufacturing, biosciences, radionuclide research, mechanical and aerospace engineering, and agricultural research that spans multiple disciplines and leverages 12 agricultural science and research centers and 33 cooperative extension service offices across the state.

The most successful candidates will have extensive and demonstrated leadership experience, including responsibility for large research ecosystems at a major institution. Candidates should have a proven track record in driving technology commercialization, securing industry partnerships, and scaling university-based intellectual property portfolios. Experience scaling intellectual property and technology transfer efforts, growing industry-funded research initiatives, and leading commercialization strategies is highly desirable. They must possess an earned terminal degree with extensive scholarly, professional, and leadership achievements.

WittKieffer is assisting New Mexico State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by August 26, 2026. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile available at  .

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's  candidate portal . New users should select "Register Here"to create an account before proceeding. After logging in, navigate to "Open Positions,"then locate the role by entering the institution's name and clicking the search wheel.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Sandra Chu ( View email address on nature.com ) and Kim Migoya ( View email address on nature.com ).
New Mexico State University (NMSU) does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, retaliation, serious medical condition, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, spousal affiliation or protected veteran status in its programs and activities, including admissions, as required by state and federal law and University policy. NMSU's Office of Institutional Equity is designated as the office that receives and processes internal complaints of unlawful discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct on behalf of NMSU.. If you believe you have been treated in a manner inconsistent with equal opportunity, contact the Office of Institutional Equity.

NMSU has designated as the Title IX Coordinator, responsible for ensuring compliance with Title IX and other state and federal laws addressing sexual and gender-based harassment, including sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. NMSU recognizes that individuals with disabilities are entitled to access, support, and, when appropriate, reasonable accommodation.

William Nutt is also assigned to coordinate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504, and other state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in admission, treatment, and/or access to its programs and activities.

Inquiries may be directed to the Executive Director, Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator, Office of Institutional Equity, P.O. Box 30001, E. 1130 University Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88003; View phone number on nature.com; View phone number on nature.com (TTY)  View email address on nature.com

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