Western Kentucky University has a new associate provost who’s aiming to boost the recognition WKU receives for its research and creative activity efforts. 

Provost David Lee, who chose between three candidates for the position, said Cheryl Davis stood out for her efforts to involve students in research. Davis previously was WKU’s interim associate provost and her new appointment takes effect immediately.

“I think she is someone who is an excellent teacher, an accomplished researcher and she’s proven she can make the transition to research administration,” Lee told the Daily News. 

Davis will oversee the Office of Research and Creative Activity as associate provost. She said she wants to use her new role to promote WKU’s research and creative activity across the campus and larger community. 

“I also want to do what I can to help facilitate …  and support research and scholarly activities that are being carried out by faculty, staff and students,” she said. 

Davis said that includes working with faculty and staff to help them compete for grants, contracts and other sources of money so they can take their ideas to the next level. 

President Gary Ransdell praised Davis for embodying the roles of teacher and scholar. 

“Cheryl (Davis) is an outstanding teacher-scholar,” he said in a news release. “WKU is fortunate to have someone like her in this important role.” 

Davis joined WKU’s Biology Department in 1991 after earning a doctorate at Wake Forest University. She earned University Distinguished Professor status in 2008, which is the highest honor for faculty at WKU.

Davis also won the Ogden College Faculty Award in Teaching and involved students in research throughout her career. She’s advised about 30 graduate students and given more than 50 research presentations with her students over the last decade. 

Lee said Davis’ student engagement helped compel his decision to name her associate provost, and has been very active in supporting university’s grant efforts. He said Davis has the stature for the role. 

“This person is at the heart of encouraging research and creative activity finding support for that and taking advantage of the new opportunities that successful research can create,” he said, explaining the associate provost’s role. 

Lee made the final call, but had the help of a search committee in finding suitable candidates. The committee spread the word about the opening, reviewed applications and ultimately listed the three candidates strengths and weaknesses. Lee chose between political science professor Joel Turner, communication professor Blair Thompson and Davis for the position. 

— Follow education reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @BGDN_edbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.