8/14/98

Editors, news directors: A photograph of Thea Arocho is available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ohio.edu/news/pix/AROCHO.JPG

ATHENS, Ohio -- Thea R. Arocho has been appointed interim director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, effective Aug. 1.

Former Director Claire L. Carlson has accepted a position as assistant vice president for research at the University of Montana.

Arocho has been grants and contract manager for the office since 1997 and will serve as interim director until a search for a new director is completed.

Arocho was director of Ohio University's Small Business Innovation Center from 1989 to 1992, where she helped small businesses and state agencies write grants. As director of the center and owner of Technical Ink, she has more than 16 years of experience preparing grant applications.

Arocho completed a bachelor's degree in biology at Kent State University.

"I am pleased Thea has agreed to assume these duties for Ohio University and, with the very able support of the whole staff of the office, we will be able to maintain the high level of service and assistance the faculty and staff need in their sponsored activities," said Carol Blum, interim vice president for research and graduate studies.

A national search for a director of the office is underway.