New Vice Chancellor of Research, Economic Development and Engagement Selected | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: The author of this post, Jamie Smith, is a contributor to ECU News Services.

    East Carolina University has selected Dr. Jay Golden as vice chancellor of research, economic development and engagement. His appointment, effective June 30, was approved by the Board of Trustees during a special meeting on March 8.

    Golden is the director of Duke University's Center for Sustainability and Commerce where he directs research and engagement activities on sustainability issues in partnership with global corporations. He is an associate professor in the Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and faculty chair of the Business and Environment Program at Duke. He previously served in the role of associate vice provost for research and corporate relations.

    As vice chancellor of ECU's Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement, Golden will be responsible for directing the promotion of research and creative activity at the university.

    "My goal is to work across both the academic and medical campuses in growing our research capabilities which will include greater interdisciplinary collaboration, increased opportunities for student research both regionally and globally and expanded partnerships with industry," said Golden. "I was drawn to this opportunity because of ECU's unique mission and the observation that the faculty, staff and students are ready to take a significant step forward in increasing the research enterprise of the university."

    ECU Provost Ron Mitchelson said Golden has "an outstanding record as a research engineer and is a collaborator who has led large-scale efforts to address the design of sustainable systems."

    "Dr. Golden has established an extensive network of partners in the corporate world. ECU, our region and our state will benefit greatly from his ability to integrate research efforts with economic development," said Chancellor Cecil Staton. "His research and administrative experiences provide a new asset for ECU as we grow our own profile and retain and attract capital and talent to the region."

    Golden earned his doctoral degree in engineering at the University of Cambridge and his master's degree in environmental engineering and sustainable development through a joint program between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Cambridge. Additionally, he received a professional certification in Management and Leadership in Higher Education from Harvard University and holds a bachelor's degree in management.

    Along with his experience at Duke, Golden was an assistant professor at Arizona State University and a visiting assistant professor at the University of California.

    "In addition to welcoming Dr. Golden, we would also like to express our gratitude to Dr. Mike Van Scott, who has served in the interim role for the past three years and who has provided significant improvements to our research environment during that time," said Staton.