After a national search for candidates, the University of Tennessee at Martin has invited Rob Holland, current extension specialist and director of the UT Center for Profitable Agriculture, and Dr. Charley Deal, current special advisor to the chancellor and UT Martin interim director of research, grants and contracts, to interview for the position of executive director of research, outreach and economic development Jan. 14-15.

“This position is a direct result of our new strategic plan,” said Chancellor Keith Carver. “We are committed to strengthening our existing public and private partnerships, expanding our research portfolio and becoming an integral part of the economic development initiatives across the region.”

The executive director of research, outreach and economic development will report directly to Carver and work closely with the UT System’s Office of Government Relations and Advocacy in support of state and regional relationships. This position is also responsible for oversight and compliance of university-sponsored programs, and the promotion and coordination of outreach activities including non-degree programs.

Holland will interview on campus Jan. 14. He has worked with UT Extension since 1993. He has filled a variety of positions throughout his tenure and is currently responsible for the development, implementation and reporting of UT Extension educational programs in value-added enterprise development, among other duties. He received the 2018 UT Institute of Agriculture Downen Award for Leadership Development.

[caption id="attachment_583" align="aligncenter" width="200"]<img class="wp-image-583 size-medium" src="https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Holland-Rob-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> Rob Holland, extension specialist and director of the UT Center for Profitable Agriculture[/caption]

Holland holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from UT Martin and a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has also completed the Corporate Leadership Development program at Belmont University and the LEAD21 program for land-grant university leaders.

Deal will complete his interview Jan. 15. He has worked with UT Martin since 2002 and has held positions in the Division of Student Affairs, Division of University Advancement and Office of Intercollegiate Athletics before accepting a position as associate vice chancellor for alumni relations and annual giving, which he held from 2004-2018. Deal currently oversees the Office of Research, Grants and Contracts. He is also executive director of the university’s regional WestStar Leadership Program.

[caption id="attachment_582" align="aligncenter" width="200"]<img class="wp-image-582 size-medium" src="https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Deal-Charley-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> Dr. Charley Deal, special advisor to the chancellor and UT Martin interim director of research, grants and contracts[/caption]

Deal holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from UT Martin and a doctoral degree in learning and leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He received one of four University of Tennessee President’s Awards in 2018 and was the only UT Martin nominee to be recognized.

Dr. Phillip Acree Cavalier, university provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, is serving as chair of the search committee, which includes representation from UT Martin faculty and staff as well as an outside representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Committee members are Harriet Cannon, assistant to the state director and administrative programs director for the USDA (retired); Dr. John Oelrich, director of bands and associate professor of music; Dr. Kelli Deere, director of the UT Martin Parsons Center; Landy Fuqua, director of the Regional Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Center; Dr. Mark McCloud, interim assistant vice chancellor for student affairs; and Dr. Rachna Tewari, associate professor of agricultural economics.

Ashlie Czyz, director of human resources programs and executive recruiter for the University of Tennessee System, is serving as executive recruiter for this position. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.utm.edu/roedsearch">utm.edu/roedsearch</a>.

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