The high-tech hierarchy is changing at MSU.
Paul Hunt will become the associate vice president for research, while David Gift will fill the vice provost for libraries, computing and technology position vacated by Hunt. Both will start their new positions on Dec. 1.
Hunt will work to create real world and profitable uses for MSU’s research.
“We believe that we needed to have more energy and direction on our entrepreneurship and commercialization activities,” MSU Provost Lou Anna Simon said. “We are very fortunate that both of them have such loyalty and commitment to Michigan State to be willing to make these changes.”
Simon said Hunt has been involved in commercialization efforts as a faculty member, so the transition should be smooth. He will incorporate his current University Copyright Policy responsibilities into his new position.
MSU President M. Peter McPherson said Hunt will continue to work with Robert Huggett, vice president for research and graduate studies, to develop the Life Sciences Corridor.
The Life Sciences Corridor includes MSU, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and the Grand Rapids-based Van Andel Institute.
“Paul has great capacity to put together transactions with commercial entities, and I know he will do a good job here,” McPherson said. “Over the years, I have seen Paul understand very complex business and academic transactions.”
Hunt was unavailable for comment Wednesday.
McPherson said Gift’s role will be to manage MSU’s growing computer technology.
“Gift is superbly able to see the big picture,” McPherson said. “As we continue to develop technology as the backbone of the university, I know he will do a good job.”
Gift, assistant vice president for integrative management, said his goal will be to make technology accessible.
“I want to continually do a better job in engaging the campus community in building a shared sense of technology in terms of teaching and research,” he said. “We are continually sensing the needs of the campus community and finding ways to serve those.”
In his current position, Gift said he worked to make MSU more organizationally effective while working between academic and support services.
Gift was instrumental in organizing The Eli Broad College of Business, the University Club and the Forest Akers Golf Course.
“I gained a strong sense of perspective for the point of view of students and faculty, and they are the very people we need to serve with the technology,” he said. “What we need to do is continue the work of Dr. Hunt and make smart investments of limited resources.”
