Kim Christen has been appointed the new vice president of research at WSU, according to the Office of Research. She officially started her new role Jan. 20, with just under 20 years of prior experience in research at WSU.
Christen previously served as the associate vice president and vice-chancellor for Research Advancement and Partnerships at the university.
“I’m excited to be leading WSU’s research enterprise, especially at such a significant time with a transition to a new university president and when we are seeing substantial federal changes,” Christen said.
In addition to important changes affecting the university, Christen is also focused on growing WSU’s research enterprise.
“The VPR position is one part of a very large research ecosystem that cuts across all our campuses and the state through our Research Extension Centers,” Christen said. “Faculty, students, staff, community partners and industry are all part of the research enterprise. My goal is to grow our research enterprise in alignment with our land grant mission.”
The WSU land grant mission is part of what drew Christen to the university.
“WSU’s land-grant mission and our dedication to ensuring that our research and outreach provide tangible positive benefits for Washington and the world,” she said.
The mission includes the establishment and maintenance of relationships between the university and the native people. WSU focuses on including natives in decisions surrounding teaching, research, and programming.
“We plan to continue to honor our land-grant mission and support tribal sovereignty, and the inclusion of their voice in our teaching, research, and programming. We pledge these relationships will consist of mutual trust, respect, and reciprocity,” WSU’s strategic plan website said. “In order to keep our promises as a school, we must continue to evolve and adapt on a constant basis to maintain these as well to continue to grow as a university and community.”