Wright State VP of research to resign

Robert Fyffe is stepping down as Wright State University’s vice president of research and dean of the graduate school. TY GREENLEES / STAFF

Robert Fyffe is stepping down as Wright State University’s vice president of research and dean of the graduate school. TY GREENLEES / STAFF

Wright State University’s vice president of research and sponsored programs is resigning, according to an email sent to campus leaders by provost Tom Sudkamp.

Robert Fyffe, who also serves as dean of the graduate school, plans to step down effective Sept. 30, according to the email. Fyffe will return to a faculty position in the department of neuroscience, cell biology and physiology.

Fyffe’s resignation comes less than two weeks after WSU trustees released an audit that scrutinized the school’s research funding operation.

Fyffe could not be reached to comment Tuesday.

In the email, Sudkamp said he asked Fyffe to implement changes recommended in a recent review of the office of research and sponsored programs, which Fyffe oversees.

The review called for the office to become more transparent as well as WSU to better coordinate with its research wing.

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The report stated there is “deep mistrust” among union faculty members toward Fyffe and cited a no-confidence vote from November as evidence.

“A number of issues and problems have limited the ability of this research enterprise to realize its potential,” the reviewers from various universities wrote.

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