Dr. Paul W. Ferguson, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at UNLV, has been named Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, officials announced today. As UNLV's founding Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, Ferguson has played a pivotal role in advancing research at the university, while developing and expanding graduate programs. Since arriving at UNLV in 1999, Ferguson has served as Dean of the Graduate College and Senior Vice-Provost and Dean of the Graduate College, assuming his current role in 2003.

A member of the Southern Illinois University system, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville (SIUE) serves approximately 14,000 students, offering more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. SIUE is recognized as one of fifteen universities nationally for excellence in its senior capstone integrative experience. The 2,600 acre campus, located east of St. Louis, includes a University Park established for research and economic development, and is supplemented by branch campuses in East St. Louis and Alton.

"Paul has been a wonderful asset to UNLV, and we are extremely proud of the work he has done to expand and diversify research and graduate programs on our campus," said UNLV President Carol C. Harter. "His efforts have brought many exciting opportunities for new discovery and economic development to Las Vegas, while greatly enhancing student opportunities at every level. The professional opportunity at Southern Illinois is a great match for Paul's skills and background, and we are truly excited for him, as much as we will miss him."

Ferguson has led efforts to develop research and graduate programs at UNLV during a pivotal period of growth for the young university. During his tenure, graduate programs have increased from 75 (with 18 doctoral programs) to 106 (with 32 doctoral programs). The number of graduate assistantships increased from 515 to 1018 in a now $10 million program. Since 2003, total university extramural sponsored program funding supporting faculty and student scholarship increased from $59 million to $95 million, and total research funding increased from $31 million to $69 million.

Ferguson also played a leadership role in several key initiatives at UNLV, including the formation and restructuring of the Division of Research and Graduate Studies to better provide support and enhance service to faculty and students, assisting in the development of the UNLV Research Foundation and establishing the Office of Technology Transfer. He also played a pivotal role in forming the Division of Health Sciences - including the creation of new Schools of Dental Medicine, Allied Health, Nursing and Public Health - to better organize health science programs.

"The chance to take on the role of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at SIUE is an excellent personal and professional opportunity," said Ferguson. "I look forward to assuming the role of chief academic officer at this dynamic and growing institution."

"It has been my privilege to serve as part of the team leading the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for the past seven years," he reflected. "Much has been accomplished in a relatively short amount of time by the collaborations of faculty, staff, students, and administrators. UNLV is, and will continue to be, a vibrant institution. Although I am pleased to move into the next phase of my academic career, I will always view my time at UNLV with affection and pride."

Ferguson came to UNLV after many years at the University of Louisiana, where he had started his academic career in 1981 as Professor and Head of the Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and in 1995 was named Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. He will continue at UNLV through June 2006.