Jason Jolley named interim associate vice president for research and creative activity

Ohio University has named G. Jason Jolley, Ph.D., as the new interim associate vice president for research and creative activity, effective Aug. 1.

Jolley currently serves as professor of rural economic development at OHIO’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service where he also directs the Center for Economic Development and Community Resilience. Beginning in August, he will work half-time as the interim associate vice president for research and creative activity and half-time in his role with the Voinovich School.

“Dr. G. Jason Jolley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Research Division, and I am thrilled that he will be moving into this leadership position,” said David Koonce, interim vice president for research and creative activity and dean of the Graduate College. “I am grateful to Jason for his willingness to take on this new role, and I look forward to working with him.”

As the interim associate vice president for research and creative activity, Jolley will coordinate Ohio University’s activities around economic development and innovation. 

Jolley has held key leadership positions at OHIO since joining the Voinovich School in 2013, including director of the Master in Public Administration program. In addition, he leads Ohio University’s portion of the Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI), which is a partnership with the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA), Ohio University, and JobsOhio to provide state level certification to Ohio economic developers.

In his work with the Voinovich School, Jolley has served as principal investigator on more than $10 million in extramurally sponsored projects and co-led efforts to secure an additional $2 million in federal funding for regional economic development partners.

“Jason is highly respected for his collaborative research in the region and his expertise in economic development,” said Voinovich School Dean Tracy Plouck. “I am proud to see him moving into this new role with the Research Division and pleased that he will continue to serve in his faculty and leadership role in the Voinovich School as well.”

In the Research Division, Jolley follows former associate vice president for research Dr. Mei Wei who recently announced her intent to leave the University for another position. Jolley will continue in the interim role until a permanent associate vice president for research and creative activity is named.