New leaders named for research at ECU
Two widely published scientists have been named to lead the reconstituted Division of Research and Graduate Studies at East Carolina University.
Dr. John M. Lehman, professor of pathology and associate dean for research and graduate studies at the Brody School of Medicine, is the new acting vice chancellor for research and graduate studies and Dr. Paul Gemperline, professor of chemistry, is the acting associate vice chancellor.
Chancellor Bill Shelton, announcing the appointments Thursday, said, “I am delighted that two such productive and respected investigators have agreed to lead the research enterprise at ECU. They are proven scholars who will provide abundant energy and vision as we continue to expand the research activities that are so critical to the future of the university.” Dr. Tom Feldbush, vice chancellor for research, economic development and community engagement, announced this week that he is resigning to return to the faculty. Shelton said the division has been reorganized and that the Graduate School has been shifted from the Academic Affairs Division to pair it with research.
Shelton said that because economic development and community engagement are so vital to the university’s mission and the region’s success, they will be moved to the chancellor’s division. Dr. Robert J. Thompson, director of institutional planning, research and evaluation, will help provide coordination for those activities, Shelton said.
“All these changes are designed to provide the most effective alignment of resources and personnel as East Carolina continues to increase both its sponsored research and its economic development activities,” Shelton said. “Both these arenas are so vital that they need to be separated in order to give them the proper support and focus.”
Lehman joined ECU this year after 18 years as a faculty member and administrator at Albany Medical College in New York. Previously he was at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He has received more than $6 million in research grants and has published 89 peer -reviewed articles and six book chapters. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science and his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.
Gemperline has been a member of the chemistry faculty at ECU since 1982. He is the author of 48 articles in refereed journals and two book chapters. He received his bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. from Cleveland State University.