The University of Kansas has selected Shelley Hooks, professor and associate vice president for research at the University of Georgia, as the next vice chancellor for research.
Hooks will lead the university’s research enterprise at the Lawrence and Edwards campuses and oversee research administration, according to a news release from KU: “She will help align the Office of Research with the university’s mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities and make discoveries that change the world.”
Hooks earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Clemson University and a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Virginia, according to the release. She completed her postdoctoral research at the University of North Carolina.
Hooks is currently a professor in the department of pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences at UGA’s College of Pharmacy, and in her own research, she focuses on signaling mechanisms and novel therapeutic strategies for cancer and neurological disease, according to the release.
“I am delighted to join the vibrant University of Kansas community,” Hooks said in the release. “I am eager to partner with KU faculty, staff and students to drive forward our shared goals of advancing research, fostering innovation and nurturing creativity in all fields.”
Barbara Bichelmeyer, KU provost and executive vice chancellor, said in the release that Hooks has been a champion of multidisciplinary research and an advocate for the advancement of innovation and discovery.
“Shelley’s leadership will be essential in fostering a bold and unifying vision for the future of research, creative activity and engaged scholarship at KU,” Bichelmeyer said in the release.
Hooks will start in the role on Aug. 4. She will succeed Belinda Sturm, who has served in an interim vice chancellor for research role since November, according to the release.
Hooks was selected from three candidates gave presentations at KU over the past two months. The search committee was co-chaired by Perry Alexander, distinguished professor of electrical engineering and computer science, and Amy Mendenhall, vice provost for faculty affairs. Other candidates included Sturm and Marc Mendonca.
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