Jerry Fife, who has served as Vanderbilt’s acting vice chancellor for administration for the past eight months, has been appointed to the role permanently after a national search by the university. His appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Trust.
“Jerry is the clear choice for this position,” said Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos. “He is nationally known for his work in contract and grants compliance, understands Vanderbilt, its culture and values, and has the respect of his colleagues across the university and medical center. He has earned this position, and I welcome him permanently to the senior leadership team.”
Fife, who came to Vanderbilt in 1998, began his career in research administration in 1975 at Purdue University. In 1985 he became director of sponsored programs administration at Mississippi State University and in 1990 he moved to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to become director of the Office of Contracts and Grants.
“Since coming to Vanderbilt I have been fortunate to work with the highest caliber faculty and staff,” Fife said. “It is an honor to serve Vanderbilt with its culture of excellence and sense of family. I look forward to continuing to serve Vanderbilt as a part of the leadership team.”
He succeeds Lauren Brisky, who retired as vice chancellor for administration and chief financial officer, earlier this year. Following her departure, the CFO and administration responsibilities were divided, and a new CFO position was created.
The vice chancellor for administration is charged with providing the business and physical infrastructure for the university to carry out its education, research and patient care goals. Areas of responsibility include facilities, construction, environmental affairs, human resources, information systems, business operations and the police department.
Fife previously served as associate vice chancellor for business services and research finance, assistant vice chancellor for information technology services and interim associate vice chancellor for human resources.
He is a member of the Society of Research Administrators, has served as its treasurer and is a former member of the board of directors of the Council on Governmental Relations. He is a past president of the National Council of University Research Administrators.
Fife graduated from Purdue University in 1974 with a degree in management.
Media Contact: Elizabeth P. Latt, (615) 322-NEWS
elizabeth.p.latt@vanderbilt.edu