Dr. Joanne Romagni, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Vice Chancellor for Research and dean of the Graduate School, has decided to leave that position and return to the faculty as a professor in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science. This change will be effective Jan. 1, 2024, and Deputy Vice Chancellor Reinhold Mann will serve as UTC Vice Chancellor for Research for a period of two years starting Jan. 1.
“Since Dr. Romagni joined UTC in 2015 as the University’s first vice chancellor for research, sponsored project award dollars have increased 76%, research and development expenditures have increased 105%, UTC has established a presence in the Edney Building in downtown Chattanooga’s Innovation District and launched the UTC Research Institute on campus,” said Chancellor Steven R. Angle.
Dr. Joanne Romagni
Romagni has overseen increases in National Science Foundation CAREER grants to early-career UTC faculty in support of professional development toward a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research; and in National Institutes of Health funding, which has been achieved in each year since she joined UTC. Among numerous innovations under Romagni’s leadership, the division has added a commercialization officer to increase intellectual property and technology transfer opportunities for faculty, as well as an Office of Undergraduate Research to encourage and enable scientific inquiry in students early in their academic careers.
“Expanded opportunities for undergraduate research, such as through the annual spring ReSEARCH Dialogues event, have enriched our students’ academic experience and better prepared those entering graduate school,” Angle added.
“Dr. Romagni has been supported by a hardworking, dedicated team whose contributions and commitment to the University’s research and graduate school endeavors have been pivotal in their continued progress. I am grateful to both this team and Dr. Romagni for their efforts to grow the UTC research portfolio, community engagement and undergraduate research opportunities. Our 2021-2025 strategic plan calls for expanding research capacity and we are well-positioned for the key role research will increasingly have in UTC’s strategic direction.”
Romagni said she’s grateful for the work of the team in the Office of Research and the Graduate School, in addition to colleagues across campus, for their support in “really, creating a community of research that has resulted in a different perception of research at UTC.” Her decision to step away from the role has come after careful consideration of family needs, she added.
“While it has been an honor to serve in this role and to see the University achieve the great progress that has been made during my time in this position, I also find myself at a time in my life when my family has needs that require my support. I have discussed these concerns with Chancellor Angle for some time, and I am very grateful for his support of my decision,” she said.
“I’m very proud to have supported and helped facilitate UTC’s Smart Cities initiative and secure backing from the UT System that enabled creation of the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress—initiatives that the phenomenal Dr. Mina Sartipi has led, transformed and optimized to the absolute fullest.
“I will be cheering on all of my colleagues’ continued success as I return to the classroom and the opportunity to engage directly with students, which I have missed; and to conducting my own research.”
Mann said he looks forward to the new role.
Dr. Reinhold Mann
“UTC has a strong culture of excellence in educational programs connected to applied research and development activities, and I am grateful for this opportunity to work with thought leaders across the colleges and with our partners in Chattanooga and elsewhere,” he said. “Together, we can innovate and ensure success for UTC students and greater impact by the University.”
Functions currently overseen by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research will remain unchanged. The Graduate School functions have reported to the Office of the Provost and will continue to do so, with increased emphasis on growing enrollment and capacity as stated in the 2020-2025 strategic plan. Dr. Ethan Carver will continue to support Graduate Studies as interim dean. Next steps will be based on recommendations from a study that was completed by the Office of Research.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs promotes scholarship, research, creative activities and engagement by encouraging and providing comprehensive support to faculty and staff in the pursuit of sponsored programs.
The UTC Graduate School offers 55 graduate degree program concentrations at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Of UTC’s current total enrollment of 11,380, 1,398 are graduate students, a 12.4% increase from 2022.
