M. Jack Ohanian Named Interim Vice President for Research

Jack Battenfield, Associate Vice President

GAINESVILLE — The head of research at the University of Florida’s College of Engineering will become UF’s interim vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School while a national search for a successor to Karen Holbrook is completed.

UF President John Lombardi on Monday named M. Jack Ohanian, the associate dean for research and administration in the College of Engineering, to take over for Holbrook, who announced last week she is leaving to become provost of the University of Georgia.

Lombardi said Ohanian’s background in research and graduate education make him ideal for the job during the transition period.

“Dr. Ohanian has been the research administrator of the College of Engineering, one of the university’s most research-intensive colleges, and has a strong background in the promotion and administration of research and the development of graduate education,” Lombardi said.

“We are fortunate that he is willing to serve in this capacity to carry on the outstanding progress that has been the hallmark of the Division of Sponsored Research and the Graduate School for the past five years under the leadership of Dr. Holbrook.”