Ali Lombardo has been named assistant vice chancellor, director of sponsored programs, in the Division of Research and Innovation. She will be responsible for oversight and management of all sponsored program activities.

"I'm honored and excited to welcome Ali to the University of Arkansas," said John English, vice chancellor for research and innovation. "Her experience in research administration will be invaluable as we partner with faculty, staff and students on sponsored research and compliance."

Lombardo has served as the director of sponsored research and foundation relations at the College of Wooster since 2012. In this leadership role, she leads and oversees the execution of their campus-wide sponsored research and grants program and advises campus leadership on research compliance policies and governing sponsored program laws and regulations. She previously served in research administration and advancement at Ashland University, Case Western Research University and the Cleveland Museum of Art. She earned a J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, an M.Ed. from John Carroll University and a B.A. in European History from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a professional member of the Society of Research Administrators International, National Council of University Research Administrators and National Organization of Research Development Professionals.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the University of Arkansas and to have the opportunity to support the stellar research being done here," Lombardo said. "I'm looking forward to creating a collaborative environment and to providing exemplary service to the research community as we work toward a shared vision of increasing and enhancing the research enterprise. There are so many fascinating and impactful research projects and activities on campus, and that truly excites me, as well."

The Division of Research and Innovation extends its thanks to Bob Beitle, who served as interim director of sponsored programs while concurrently working as associate vice chancellor for research and innovation and professor of chemical engineering, as well as to search committee members Jenny Cheng, Brooke Ha, Heather Nachtmann, Jason Ramage, Kathy Scheibel, Katie Tracy and Shelley Wilmoth.