T. Lloyd Chesnut, who has supervised Ohio University's research efforts since 1987, will become system vice president at the University of Montana Aug. 1. Chesnut, vice president for research and graduate studies since 1990, submitted his resignation in May.

He joined OU as associate provost for research in 1987 from Louisiana State University, where he was associate vice chancellor of academic affairs for graduate studies and research.

During Chesnut's tenure, the growth in Ohio University's research and scholarly activity carried it from a Doctoral I to Research II ranking in the Carnegie Foundation's latest "Classification of Institutions of Higher Education." In this period, Ohio University funding grew from $18.5 million in total awards from external sponsors to $31 million in 1996. External sponsorship includes support for research, which increased from $6.4 million in 1987 to $13.5 million in 1996.

In mid-June, Carol Blum, associate vice president for research and graduate studies, was appointed interim vice president for research and graduate studies by President Robert Glidden. Blum's appointment begins August 1. A national search for a new vice president will be conducted, but a search committee had not been formed as of "Ohio University Today's" deadline.

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