Office of Scholarships & Sponsored Projects Director Named

Members of the University Community,

Following the successful completion of a national search that included many qualified candidates, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Jo Isgrigg to Pacific University as our inaugural Director of the Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects, effective January 15, 2016.

As you may remember, during the 2014-2015 academic year I convened a group of faculty and staff from across the university to assist in reimagining the future organization of the Pacific University Office of Research.

I also met with research professionals from other academic institutions in our region, and with our Provost’s Council and President’s Cabinet, on a number of occasions for additional input into the reorganization plan. The President’s Cabinet subsequently approved the new Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects, and the search for the new director took place during the early part of this semester.

Dr. Isgrigg's appointment as Director of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects was announced at the Pacific University Board of Trustees meeting on December 4, 2015.

She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with educators, researchers and funding agencies to support creative work, and we will benefit enormously from her guidance.

Dr. Isgrigg is currently the Executive Director of the Oregon Healthcare Workforce Institute, a non-profit, public-private partnership using research, data analytics, and collective impact approaches to engage leaders from industry, education, workforce development, and government in developing solutions to Oregon’s healthcare workforce needs. Her career includes leadership and research positions in the public and private sectors. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Master of Public Health and Master of Public Administration programs, as well as the Gerontology Certificate program, at Portland State University. 

Dr. Isgrigg has substantial experience with grants and contracts and an extensive list of publications, reports, and conference presentations. Her research background includes studies related to the healthcare workforce, health systems organization and public policies. When she’s not working with data, she enjoys combining her love of both art and science through painting, photography and kilnformed glass.

Dr. Isgrigg received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and a PhD in public administration and policy from Portland State University. 

I would like to thank members of the search committee for their time and efforts, beginning with committee chair Dr. Susan Stein, Associate Dean of the College of Health Professions and Director of the Pacific Program of Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research. Other committee members included Isaac Gilman, Associate Professor, Pacific University Libraries; Traci Goff, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, University Advancement; John R. Hayes, Professor, College of Optometry; Gyorgi Nyerges, Associate Professor, School of Natural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences; Andy Soria, Director of the Berglund Center for Innovation, College of Business; and Amanda Stead, Assistant Professor, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Education.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Isgrigg to Pacific.

Best Regards,

Ann Barr-Gillespie, DPT, PhD
Vice Provost, Executive Dean - College of Health Professions
Interim Vice Provost for Research 

Friday, Dec. 11, 2015