Roberts named to new research VP post at CCU

Michael Roberts, dean of the College of Science at Coastal Carolina University, has been appointed to the new position of Vice President for Research and Emerging Initiatives.

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Emerging Initiatives was created to act as a central resource to coordinate collaborative research efforts across all colleges and departments of the University. The office will facilitate in the region’s economic development by offering incubation programs for entrepreneurial start-up businesses that seek assistance from CCU in areas relating to research and/or technology. Roberts will also work as a liaison with political leaders in Washington, D.C., and in Columbia to elevate CCU’s profile as a provider of research. 

Roberts’ duties include coordinating the research-related activities of CCU’s six academic outreach centers: the Burroughs & Chapin Center for Marine and Wetland Studies, the Center for Archaeology and Anthropology, the Biddle Center for Teaching and Learning, The BB&T Center for Economic and Community Development, the Waccamaw Center for Cultural and Historical Studies and the Clay Brittain Jr. Center for Resort Tourism. The University’s Office of Grants and Sponsored Research will also report to Roberts.

Roberts will continue to serve as the dean of CCU’s College of Science, a position he has held since 2007. He was previously professor of biology and associate dean in the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at Pace University in New York. Roberts earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. He earned both a master's degree and a doctorate in biology from the University of Virginia.