Portland State has named Richard “Rick” Tankersley, an accomplished research scientist and academic leader, as the next Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies. He will assume the role on August 1.
Tankersley joins PSU from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte where he served as the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development overseeing the university’s research enterprise. During his time there, he championed interdisciplinary research and developed new strategic partnerships to grow and diversify the university’s research portfolio. Tankersley's tenure at UNC Charlotte marked a pivotal period of growth in research productivity. Under his leadership, the university experienced a notable increase in new research awards and expenditures, breaking previous records and affirming the institution's standing as one of the most rapidly growing research universities nationwide.
“Rick Tankersley understands what it takes to build an impactful research organization while supporting faculty in their work,” said PSU President Stephen Percy. “We are thrilled to welcome him to Portland where I am confident he will help our research pursuits continue to mature and grow.”
Portland State had a record year for research funding in the 2022-23 academic year with more than $80 million coming in — more than half of that from federal sources — to support faculty research.
“I am truly thrilled to be joining the executive team at Portland State,” Tankersley said. “Here, world-class researchers, scholars, and creatives are pioneering groundbreaking work that will not only improve future lives, but also propel innovation and economic growth. I am eager to join them in this journey of transforming the future, as we continue to bolster the university's ongoing success."
“Rick’s focus on the transformative power of research will be of great benefit for Portland State and for the greater Portland region,” said Incoming PSU President Ann Cudd, who also begins her tenure on August 1. “I look forward to working with Rick and other university leaders to enhance the ways that PSU research can further our institutional values.”
Tankersley’s research interests include marine invertebrate behavior and physiology, larval ecology, global change biology, ocean acidification and science communication. He has been a faculty member and researcher for nearly 30 years, holding positions at Gonzaga University, the University of Maryland Baltimore County and the Florida Institute of Technology.
Tankersley earned his Ph.D. in biology from Wake Forest University. He also holds an M.S. degree in biological science from Florida State University and a bachelor’s in biology from Wake Forest University.
In August, Tankersley will take over for Jason Podrabsky, who has served as Interim Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies since 2019 and will return to his faculty position in biology.