UNCG created the Office of Research in 1999 to report to the Provost in the Division of Academic Affairs. As the newly-established Associate Provost for Research (APR), Dr. Peter Alfonso directed this office. In the spring of 2001, Dr. Rosemary Wander replaced Alfonso, first as an Interim APR and then, in August 2002, as the second APR to head the Office of Research. At this time, the name of the unit changed to the Office of Research and Public/Private Sector Partnerships, reflecting the broadening mission of the office.
In 2006, through the efforts of the office, our administration, and our faculty, UNCG achieved Carnegie Foundation classification as a comprehensive doctoral research university with “high research activity.” UNCG also received recognition from the Carnegie Foundation in 2008 in the Community Engagement classifications of 1) curricular engagement and 2) outreach and partnerships.
In recognition of our growing roles and responsibilities, UNCG expanded our unit in 2009 into the Office of Research and Economic Development, which was to be led by a Vice Chancellor. After filling the position as an Interim for a year, Dr. Terri Shelton took the helm in 2010 as the first UNCG Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development.
In 2015, UNCG was certified once again by the Carnegie Foundation for its “deep engagement.” UNCG was among only 240 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the 2015 Community Engagement Classification. Currently, UNCG is one of only 60 doctoral universities in the country classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having both “higher research activity” as well as a deep, broad, and sustained commitment to community engagement.
In 2017, the Office of Research and Economic Development became the Office of Research and Engagement. The name change reflected an internal restructuring that more directly focuses our university’s efforts on supporting and enhancing research, scholarship, and creative activity, while continuing our strong commitment to community and economic engagement.
