Samantha Edmondson
Daily Egyptian
John Koropchak, interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and research and graduate school dean, will essentially have the same position. Only now, his duties will become permanent, he will report directly to the chancellor and he will enjoy a much shorter title.
Chancellor Walter Wendler appointed Koropchak the vice chancellor of research Monday. Prior to the promotion, the Graduate School dean acted as the associate vice chancellor of research who reported directly to the provost. From this level, the provost then discussed research matters with the chancellor. The new position eliminates the middle step.
"Virtually, it is the same position," Koropchak said. "Before I reported entirely to the provost; with research I report to the chancellor."
Koropchak, who has served as the interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and research since July 1, 1999, said when the new position was approved, he did not initially apply.
"With these kind of national searches, it is best done if there is no incumbent candidate," he said. "It wasn't until later that they invited me to apply for the position."
Wendler said after rigorous interviewing and visits to final candidates, he realized the solution was right here on campus.
"I interviewed both candidates rigorously," he said. "Koropchak was here already; he will do an excellent job."
Aside from serving as the interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and research, Koropchak has had ample experience in the research field. After completing his doctorate degree in 1980, he spent four years at the U.S. Army Chemical Research and Development Center in Maryland studying ultra-trace gas analysis and new methods of air purification.
Koropchak joined SIUC in 1984 and worked his way through teaching to become the director of the SIUC University Mass Spectrometry Facility. In 1995, he was selected the outstanding researcher in the College of Science at SIU.
With more than three years of service, he still has plans under the new position. Koropchak said he wants to enhance research productivity on campus, incorporating traditional research with scholarly and creative activities.
"Productivity has a big impact," he said. "The best research universities have the best reputations."
Koropchak said he would also like to see graduate student enrollment continue to rise. He hopes to see enrollment increase by 50 percent over the next 10 to 15 years.
During the past three years, he said he has seen enhancement in all areas of graduate and research programs. And Koropchak plans to continue these increases under his new title.
"I continue to see that trend in the future and hope to see the University attract high quality faculty and students," he said.
Reporter Samantha Edmondson can be reached at sedmondson@dailyegyptian.com
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
