After a six-month search, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Lisa Staiano-Coico announced that Kenneth J. Blank, vice provost for research at Northeastern University, has been selected as Temple’s new senior vice provost for research and graduate education.

“Ken has the foresight, dedication and experience required to expand Temple’s impact as a large urban research university,” said Staiano-Coico. 

“He brings to Temple his strong track record in growing research enterprises at other urban universities and his many years as a researcher at the Schools of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University and Drexel University.  The Academic Strategic Compass clarified our long-term vision for research excellence.  Now, the appointment of Ken will ensure that we achieve that vision.”

Blank will assume his new responsibilities in May.   Reporting to the Provost, Blank will manage and develop research and graduate education, including cultivating relationships and increasing research dollars allocated to Temple, leading the growth and implementation of new research opportunities and developing large, interdisciplinary research program opportunities in all relevant academic fields.

“I was instantly attracted to Temple’s dynamic academic leadership and the goals put forth in the Academic Compass for research and graduate studies,” said Blank. “I look forward to working with faculty, chairs and deans to advance the depth and breadth of Temple’s rapidly growing research enterprise and its focus on interdisciplinary research and graduate studies that address real societal problems.”

Explaining the importance of research excellence at Temple, President Ann Weaver Hart said, “Temple is committed to expanding its already distinguished research enterprise and graduate programs.  Research informs our teaching and contributes to a robust curriculum.  It provides knowledge to address critical issues in our society.”

“Dr. Blank’s experience and leadership will be vital in building our research achievements and in preparing the next generation of scholars through exceptional graduate education.”

Together with the Provost, Blank will also be responsible for providing support to deans in recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty researchers, for supporting and promoting scholarly research productivity and creative expression, and for developing strategies to support excellence and innovation in graduate education across the university.

Blank received a Ph.D. in genetics from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University; and a B.A. in biology from University College of Arts and Science at New York University.