The Office of Research and Engagement, or ORE, offers essential infrastructure and unique expertise to amplify the efforts of our scholars. With a cross-campus, cross-community perspective, we serve as a hub where community leaders, nonprofits, large and small businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, and scholars connect.
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 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.
In 2024, UNCG was certified once again with the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Currently, UNCG is one of only 60 doctoral universities in the country classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having both “high research activity” as well as a deep, broad, and sustained commitment to community engagement.
Several entities fall under the ORE umbrella. These include:
Support and project administration internal offices
The Office of Research and Engagement provides support and strategic direction to faculty, staff, and students for research and creative endeavors resulting in scholarship, innovation, economic development, and community engagement. Fostering a culture of research integrity, the Office promotes a vigorous and robust learning environment, supports innovation, and facilitates reciprocal partnerships that transform the public research university for the 21st century, making a difference in the lives of students and the communities it serves.
