CU Boulder Provost Russell Moore today announced the finalists for the position of vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes. He also invited the campus community to participate in forums designed for students, faculty and staff to get to know the finalists and ask them questions.

The two finalists are:

• Kevin Gardner, executive vice president for research and innovation; professor, civil and environmental engineering, University of Louisville.

• Massimo Ruzzene, acting vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes, Slade Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder.

The finalists will be on campus in late January to meet with a variety of groups. Review their bios and curricula vitae and register for the virtual forums.

Moore named Professor Massimo Ruzzene to the post of acting vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes in March 2022, following the announcement of the June retirement of Terri Fiez. At the same time, Moore named Robert McDonald, dean of University Libraries and senior vice provost for online and extended education, the chair of the search advisory committee.

Moore thanked McDonald and the search advisory committee for their work in recommending these finalists.

“I have every confidence that either one of these finalists has the qualities to lead our research and innovation mission, leverage the research of students and faculty, and strengthen the relationships with research partners in the federal agencies and the private sector.”

Moore also thanked Ruzzene for his leadership as acting vice chancellor of research and innovation and dean of the institutes.

Moore plans to name a permanent vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes this spring.