J. Martin Scholtz, executive associate vice president for research at Texas A&M University, has been named the University of Iowa’s new vice president for research (VPR). He will begin on June 28.
“Dr. Scholtz is a passionate and seasoned leader of higher education research,” says UI President Bruce Harreld. “He brings a wealth of experience in personally conducting important biomedical research projects as well as in building support mechanisms for others’ research efforts. He also understands the importance of training our next generation of undergraduate and graduate students to become excellent researchers. This combined focus on research and student success will make him an excellent partner on UI’s senior leadership team.”
Scholtz has served in his current role at Texas A&M University since 2013, and has been part of the leadership of the Division of Research since 2010 while also serving as senior associate vice president for research and associate vice president for research. Scholtz joined Texas A&M University in College Station in 1993 as an assistant professor of medical biochemistry and genetics and biochemistry and biophysics. He currently serves as professor of molecular and cellular medicine in the College of Medicine and professor of biochemistry and biophysics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
“I am looking forward to becoming a member of the University of Iowa family as the next vice president for research,” says Scholtz. “As I expressed during my visits, the UI is a special place. I am thrilled and honored to be able to join the team and support the outstanding faculty, staff, and students as we pursue excellence in research, scholarship, and creative activities at the university.”
As an administrator and faculty member, Scholtz has been part of governance decisions, strategic planning and budgeting, process improvement, compliance, grant administration, research infrastructure, program development, operations, commercialization and innovation in research, and teaching and learning.
Scholtz was one of two candidates who participated in public forums on the UI campus in February. The search was led by Aliasger Salem, the Bighley Chair and professor of pharmaceutical sciences and head of the Division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics in the College of Pharmacy, and Dorothy Johnson, Roy J. Carver Professor of Art History and head of the Art History Division.
“Dr. Scholtz has tremendous experience in research administration and demonstrated skills and experience in working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and community members to promote and support high impact interdisciplinary research,” says Salem.
Scholtz received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1984 and a PhD in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1989. He completed postdoctoral studies in physical biochemistry at the Stanford University School of Medicine from 1989 to 1993.
“Dr. Scholtz brings to the newly defined VPR position a rare set of skills as well as breadth of experience and expertise,” says Johnson. “He impressed us with his passion for the research mission of the university across disciplines, his collegiality, and his collaborative approach. We believe strongly that he will help lead the university to new heights of distinguished research.”
Scholtz succeeds Daniel Reed, who stepped down in fall 2017 and was later named senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Utah. John Keller, dean of the Graduate College and associate provost for graduate and professional education, has been serving as interim vice president for research since October 2017.
In June 2018, the UI refocused the scope of the role of vice president for research and economic development, shifting the economic development role elsewhere within the university.
Scholtz will receive an annual salary of $375,000. His appointment must be approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.