Memorial University of Newfoundland has appointed Rod Russell , its current associate vice-president for research, as interim vice president for research and innovation, effective 1 June.
Russell will take over from Tana Allen, who is moving to Trent University at the end of this week to become its vice president for research and innovation, as The Next Leap reported in December.
Allen’s departure comes after 25 years with Memorial University, and an international search for her permanent successor is already underway.
Russell has been a professor in Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine since 2008, specialising in virology and immunology. In July 2023, he became the faculty’s vice dean for research and graduate studies. In January this year, he was promoted to associate vice president for research.
“I would like to thank Dr Allen for her decades of service and unwavering commitment to our learning community. We wish her all the best in the next leg of her personal and professional journey in Ontario.”
“Having worked with Rod for only a short time, I admire his curiosity and commitment to active listening and learning, qualities that will serve him well in the coming months as he assumes this new executive role.”
Janet Morrison, president and vice chancellor
