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Craig Reynolds - Farewell Celebration, Details, and Bio

Craig Reynolds

With joy (and a little sadness), we announce that, after nine years of incredible service at the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP), and almost 14 years at the University of Michigan, Craig Reynolds, Assistant Vice President for Research-Sponsored Projects, has accepted the position of Vice President for Research Compliance at the Van Andel Institute (VAI) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, beginning October 1, 2022.

Craig has made significant contributions while here. We will miss him very much. 

Craig began his career in research administration in positions with the University of Pennsylvania, Central Michigan University, the National Science Foundation, and the University of Michigan Medical School, eventually serving as the chief administrator of the Department of Biological Chemistry. He came to ORSP in 2012 as Associate Director.

"I have often said that being an AVP for Research at the University of Michigan is my 'dream job.'  And it's true. It has been my great honor and privilege to work alongside my dear colleagues in ORSP and with the staff and leadership team in the Office of the Vice President for Research. Day in and day out they demonstrate the highest levels of grit, integrity, good humor, and fundamental human decency in service to the University's research mission. They, in addition to so many others I have worked with across the U-M research community, are a true inspiration.

This new opportunity will enable me to once again work closely with funded investigators (something I have missed) and make a positive difference at an institution whose mission focuses in large part on finding cures for cancer and Parkinson's Disease (a condition which some of you may know I have a personal connection with). The stars aligned just so!

Please know how grateful and humbled I am for having had the opportunity to work with so many of you during my time at U-M.  And I hope that we will be able to continue working together in some capacity as I move on to this new chapter in my career, whether through VAI, COGR, NCURA, or elsewhere. - Craig Reynolds

Craig was appointed as Director of ORSP in 2015; to Executive Director in 2019, advancing to Assistant Vice President for Research-Sponsored Projects, in which he has served since March 2020.

In 2016, Craig was one of five national recipients of NCURA’s Julia Jacobsen Distinguished Service Award for his sustained and significant contributions to the profession of research administration.

In 2019 the NCURA Board of Directors bestowed upon him the designation of Distinguished Educator for his “exceptional contributions through the ideation, creation, and delivery of NCURA’s national/global research administration educational offerings.” Craig is also an active committee member on the Council on Government Relations.

Next Steps for OVPR & ORSP

On August 15, the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) launched a national search process to help identify a new leader for ORSP. 

OVPR selected Isaacson Miller to help facilitate the search, working closely with a U-M search advisory committee of nine faculty and staff representing schools, colleges, and units across U-M. The search firm will offer its expertise to help identify a talented and diverse pool of candidates.

In the interim, Andrea Anderson, Associate Director of ORSP, can be contacted for questions related to ORSP operations. (Related to that, during this transition, you may use Andrea Anderson's name and title in place of Craig Reynolds' for any sponsored research office forms that call for that.)

And until then, we hope you will join us in wishing Craig Reynolds well! 

Details of Farewell Celebration

  • Date: Friday, September 23, 2022
  • Time: 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Remarks at 3:45 p.m.)
  • Location: Main Floor of Wolverine Tower, Suite 18. 
    Zoom link (remote)
  • Please register and indicate whether your participation will be in-person or remote participation! 
  • Cards: Share your gratitude and best wishes for Craig by signing the e-card.

*Please note the following for in-person attendance:

  • In-person attendance is limited. 
  • Masks are optional.
  • Visitors must be escorted to Room G-18.
  • U-M affiliates must complete a successful screening check with ResponsiBlue.
  • Our tickets offer both Zoom and in-person options. Please indicate which as you register
  • Once you've registered, no physical Eventbrite ticket is needed.