Dear Colleagues,
It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Dr. Sherine Obare as UNCG’s next Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement. The UNCG Board of Trustees approved this appointment at their meeting on October 12, 2023. Dr. Obare will begin working closely with Vice Chancellor Shelton beginning May 1, 2024 to ensure a smooth transition upon Vice Chancellor Shelton’s retirement.
Dr. Obare currently serves as Dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN), a leadership role she has held since January 2019. UNCG Provost Debbie Storrs and NC A&T State University Provost Tonya Smith-Jackson will work collaboratively to identify her successor to lead JSNN.
Given Dr. Obare’s national reputation, along with her deep understanding of UNCG, the Triad region, the state of North Carolina, and her work with federal and international agencies, UNCG will benefit from the continuity of leadership she provides. From the beginning of her tenure at UNCG, she quickly proved herself. She possesses significant research and leadership experience, including industry and granting agency partnerships, and brings a commitment to supporting faculty and student-related research that will sustain the wide breadth of research and creative activity at UNCG. Given our confidence that we have the right person, I’ve elected to waive a formal search. I believe there is no better person to build off the historic growth established over the last seven years. With her usual grace, Dr. Shelton has agreed to a period of overlap in leadership of a few months to ensure a seamless transition.
Under Dr. Obare’s leadership at JSNN and in collaboration with the Soldier Center of the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, UNCG is home to the newly established Innovative Collaborative Laboratory for Nanotechnologies to Empower the Future Soldier (also known as ICONS). The work of ICONS focuses on research breakthroughs needed to support the future of defense, as well as the workforce development needed for scientists and engineers who will create national security innovations. Dr. Obare also founded and established the Joint School’s Institute for Research Technologies (JSIRT), focused on strengthening partnership between the University and industry. JSIRT was recognized regionally by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center with an excellence award in biotechnology service, and nationally by the University Economic Development Association.
Beyond serving as Dean at UNCG, Dr. Obare brings significant academic and research leadership from her tenure at Western Michigan University. This includes such appointments as Interim Vice President for Research, Associate Vice President for Research, Interim Associate Dean for Research for the College of Arts & Sciences, and Professor of Chemistry. In addition, Dr. Obare has established an internationally recognized and externally funded research program that has fostered successful collaborations in chemistry and environmental engineering globally. She has received many awards and accomplishments, including the National Science Foundation CAREER award, the Mary McLeod Bethune Award for Science and Technology, the American Competitiveness and Innovation Fellowship of the National Science Foundation, the Triad Business Journal’s Power Player and Outstanding Women in Business Awards. Dr. Obare was also selected as a Fellow for the prestigious Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities Council on Research.
After earning her B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Biology from West Virginia State University, Dr. Obare earned her Ph.D. in Inorganic/Analytical Chemistry from the University of South Carolina. Her postdoctoral education in Chemistry and Environmental Engineering was completed at Johns Hopkins University.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sherine Obare.
Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr.
Chancellor