Texas Southern University News March 8, 2022 TSU Sets Sights on Top Research Status with Inaugural Vice President at the Helm Texas Southern University kicks off its first week of the new division of Research and Innovation, led by nationally acclaimed researcher, Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall. The launch, coupled with the recent reaffirmation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education of its status as a Doctoral University of High Research Activity (R2), TSU is growing by transforming its capabilities and investment in research. Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall comes to the newly created position of Vice President for Research and Innovation from Hampton University, where she most recently served as Vice President for Research, Associate Provost, and Dean of the Graduate College. "Establishing the inaugural Division of Research of Innovation was a top priority of my first-year strategic plan as the 13th president of Texas Southern University," said TSU President, Lesia L. Crumpton Young. "My previous work as a provost, vice president of Research, and program officer for the National Science Foundation has given me first-hand knowledge of leading institutions to elevated levels of research and I am confident that our outstanding Texas Southern University faculty will enhance our efforts with VP Penn-Marshall at the helm. Maintaining our R2 status on the road to R1 along with bringing in top talent for our new division will fortify our commitment to providing data-driven solutions for urban communities and beyond." Penn-Marshall has been successful in all aspects of research and innovation, securing and expanding external funding, partnering with top-tier agencies, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the research process. All are critical qualities to the Texas Southern research growth initiatives. "Texas Southern University is a leading institution with a reputation that commands respect throughout the research community, said Penn-Marshall. "The cutting-edge research that the faculty, staff and students conduct is designed to resolve many of society's major challenges. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such esteemed colleagues and to serve as the inaugural Vice President for Research and Innovation. Together we will soar to new heights and solidify our University as an R1 institution that disrupts the status quo while transforming nations." TSU's R2 status as one of the nation's top research and teaching universities was initially acknowledged by Carnegie in 2018 and reaffirmed during the most recent cycle of evaluation and assessment. Texas Southern University is one of 11 HBCUs with the coveted R2 status. To learn more about The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, go to http://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu. Sandra M. Phoenix, Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance 678-210-5801 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Seek justice, honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/