University of New Hampshire Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs John Aber has named Jan Nisbet as UNH's senior vice provost for research. Her appointment is effective Sept. 21, 2009.
Nisbet, internationally known for her work in the field of disability services,
was one of three finalists for the position. Nisbet, an associate professor
of education as well as founding director of the university's Institute on
Disability, received the UNH Alumni Association's most prestigious award, the
Pettee Medal, for extraordinary achievement and distinguished service to the
state, the nation and the world in 2007. She also has received the UNH Excellence
in Research, and Excellence in Public Service awards. She founded the institute
in 1987 and has successfully competed for more than $100 million in federal
and state funding. She will be leaving her position as director to assume this
new position.
As part of a university wide plan to further integrate teaching, research and
outreach on campus, President Mark W. Huddleston has moved the research position
into the provost's office. Nisbet will be the first to fill this newly
defined role.
"Dr. Nisbet has demonstrated creativity and leadership in a number of arenas,"
said Provost Aber. "The institute she leads addresses some of the most difficult
questions that we face in advancing the quality of life for those in challenging
circumstances. In leading her team, she has worked effectively with agencies
at the state and federal level, and has demonstrated the ability to judge her
own success by the success of those who work with her. She understands opportunities
for support, as well as the regulatory hurdles that need to be addressed. She
will be able to help all of our faculty achieve their goals in scholarship
and research."
Under Nisbet's guidance, the institute has set as its vision a world where
all people, including those living with disabilities, are fully engaged members
of their communities and where support is available to help individuals and
families achieve independence, productivity and a satisfying quality of life.
"I am so pleased to be offered this important position," said Nisbet. "I decided
to apply for the position after serving as co-chair of the President's Blue
Ribbon Panel on Research with Amitava Bhattacharjee. The entire process
was a wonderful learning experience and inspired me to want to, as Mahatma
Gandhi said, 'be the change you wish to see in the world.' UNH is a place filled
with brilliant and tenacious scholars working in departments, centers, institutes,
and field-stations trying to advance knowledge; and many are working to address
some of the most difficult and pressing issues facing our communities across
the world. I look forward to supporting these aspirations and helping
to resource them."
Nisbet is past president of the executive board of directors of The Association
for Persons with Severe Handicaps, a national organization focused on improving
the lives of persons with severe disabilities and their families through research,
training and advocacy; she chaired the Program Committee for the national Association
of University Centers on Disability, and is a founding board member for the
Endowment for Health. She has published extensively in the field and has conducted
research for more than 25 years.
To download the above photo in hi resolution: http://www.unh.edu//news/img/nisbet_hires.jpg
