Erin Lynch named associate provost of scholarship, research and innovation
After a national search, Dr. Erin Lynch has been named the associate provost for scholarship, research and innovation at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), effective Aug. 12.
Lynch most recently served as the research director of the Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences at Tennessee State University.
“Dr. Lynch is a well-respected and accomplished leader whom we are fortunate to have join Winston-Salem State University,” said Dr. Anthony Graham, WSSU’s provost. “I know Dr. Lynch’s experiences and accomplishments will be assets to the university.”
At Tennessee State, Lynch orchestrated a process that increased cross-campus and multi-institutional partnerships, increasing the amount of funded research applications to federal agencies. Additionally, she worked to integrate technological solutions into the Institutional Review Board submission process to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
Previously, she served as director of student research and innovation at Austin Peay State University and tenured faculty in the Department of Educational Specialties. Under her leadership, student research and underrepresented minority student engagement in research increased by 1,100%. The office also procured $363,000 in extramural research funds to support student engagement in the research process.
She also served as a research assistant for the HBCU-UP program at Tennessee State University, and worked in Hampton City Public Schools in Virginia and Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Schools in Tennessee as an English and special education teacher.
Lynch received her bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in English secondary education, her master’s degree from Peabody at Vanderbilt University in special education, and her doctorate from Tennessee State University in curriculum and instruction.
In this position, she will provide campus leadership for faculty, undergraduate student and graduate student scholarly and creative activity, while concurrently providing vision for the coordination and execution of strategic innovative research initiatives aligned with WSSU’s strategic plan.
Her unit includes: the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Simon Green Atkins Scholar Society, the Office of Student Research, the Office of International Programs and Strengthening Academic Programs for Student Success.
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.
