Sent to investigators with current URO projects and corresponding deans, research deans and department chairs.

Dear Colleague:

As a researcher conducting a project within the University Research Organization (URO), I would like to update you on recent organizational changes and provide new contact information.

JR Haywood recently assumed oversight responsibilities for the URO in an interim capacity. He will soon be moving to the Office of Research and Innovation where he will take on several new duties, including the URO. JR has been the assistant vice president for Regulatory Affairs for 13 years and brings a wealth of research compliance knowledge to this role.

Jennifer Schmaltz has joined the URO team to support the grant accounting function. She comes to us from Vanderbilt University where she was a senior financial analyst in the research administration area. Jennifer holds a master’s degree in accountancy as well as an MBA.

Lisa Bradley will continue working with us, with expanded responsibilities including research and office space management. She will also provide security and training support.

Our team will be reviewing URO processes and organizational needs and begin a national search for the next URO director. We hope to complete that search and have a new director in place by the end of the fall semester.

JR, Jennifer, and Lisa can be reached by emailing uro@msu.edu or for urgent matters, please call the Office of Research and Innovation at 517-355-0306.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me or reach out to the URO staff.

Best regards,

Doug Gage
Vice President for Research and Innovation