UA's Mumper Leaving For High-Level Role At Indiana University

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama on Thursday announced that Vice President for Research and Economic Development Russell J. Mumper will leave UA effective May 26 to become the next vice president for research at Indiana University.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

His first day on the job will be July 1.

Mumper's tenure at UA began in January 2019 and saw him praised for leading the growth of UA’s research enterprise toward the goal of becoming one of the premier comprehensive research institutions in the southeast. At the same time, he is cited for translating research productivity and innovation into economic and societal development and opening more opportunities for student experiences and success.

During Mumper's time as vice president at UA, sponsored awards supporting research at the university broke annual funding records every year, which included nearly 24% growth in fiscal year 2022. What's more, UA says outside support for research, other sponsored activity and instruction more than doubled over the past four years, which easily met the goal set by the Office for Research & Economic Development during the previous year.

Additional accomplishments included a historic rise in faculty members engaged in externally funded research, which UA says positioned the institution as a go-to partner for the industry in the state. Through this effort, the university said annual funding from industry partners with UA increased nearly 500%, thus creating new opportunities for students while also bringing innovation and job growth to Alabama.

"Russ really changed the direction of research at The University of Alabama and has been a great friend and supporter to the entrepreneurial community in West Alabama," said Bobby Bragg, who serves as vice chair of economic development for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and as chair of the EDGE Strategic Advisory Board. "He will be greatly missed."

UA President Stuart R. Bell said on Thursday that the university will begin the process of identifying an interim vice president, and UA will begin a broad search for the next vice president for research and economic development.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.