news@dailylobo.com
@ArdeeTheJourno
When Michael Dougher arrived in New Mexico, he was only coming for an assistant professor position at UNM.
Little did he know he would stay for more than three decades.
“I didn’t come here because I knew a lot about New Mexico,” he said. “I came here because UNM had a good psychology department, and I didn’t know how long I’d stay. Here I am 33 years later, still at the University.”
And now, Dougher will stick around for much longer, as UNM appointed him July 1 as its new vice president for research and economic development. Dougher, 62, officially took his new seat on the third floor of Scholes Hall on Aug. 1.
And he said he is confident about the position.
“I feel good about it. I care very much about research and in the research mission of the University,” he said. “If I can help facilitate that in some way, then I will be really happy to do it.”
Originally from Los Angeles, Dougher arrived at UNM to be part of the psychology department. He finished his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles and pursued his doctoral studies in the Midwest before moving to New Mexico. At UNM, he later served as the chair of his department.
Provost Chaouki Abdallah appointed Dougher after UNM conducted an external search for the position “that didn’t produce successful candidates.” He said because he worked with the Office of Research before, UNM offered him the job.
But Dougher said UNM will continue its external search for his position this semester. He said although he is not serving as an interim, he is set to occupy his current office for one year.
UNM will restart its external search “in a couple of months,” Dougher said.
As vice president of research and economic development, Dougher will oversee compliance with all research that goes on at UNM. He said he will particularly work to ensure students’ and faculty members’ works are up to code in terms of human subject and animal-use protections.
Dougher said he will work closely with UNM’s newly assembled Compliance Committee. He said he will generate “strategic plans” that will involve the University’s Institutional Review Board and that would make research more accessible and more cost-effective for UNM faculty.
“One of the main things that we are doing this year is IRB,” he said. “We’re currently hiring the folks that we need for the positions. We are trying to create a process that will allow faculty to get a rapid response.”
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Besides working in his new office, Dougher also serves as senior vice provost of academic affairs.
“These jobs are nicely coordinated because research is part of academics,” Dougher said. “What I know in the provost’s office, I can bring to the research office. And what I know in the research office, I can bring in the provost’s office. It’s a nice integration.”
Abdallah said he is thrilled Dougher took on the job.
“I am extraordinarily pleased that he has agreed to take on this important position as we conduct the search for a new vice president,” Abdallah said. “In my view, there is not a better internal candidate to take the helm of this important office during this time of transition.”
UNM President Robert Frank said he is optimistic Dougher will improve UNM’s research efforts.
“We are fortunate to have someone with his background and experience who can step into this position,” Frank said. “With his knowledge of this University, he is the right person at this time to help lead our efforts to create opportunities in research at UNM.”
Dougher said he aims to encourage undergraduate student research at the University. He said also aims to coordinate research efforts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields at UNM.
Research will determine the future of the University, Dougher said.
“Research is what defines UNM,” he said. “Research is education. Working in a laboratory is just as educational as working in a classroom.”
