Editor’s note: This is the first of three open forums for candidates of the position of vice president for research and economic development. John Brighton served in the position previously, but retired at the end of the spring semester of 2008. Ted Okiishi is currently serving as the interim vice president for research and economic development.

The first of three candidates for the position of vice president for research and economic development told a group of faculty members of his plan to double research and development expenditures at the university.

Jerry Malayer shared his vision in an open forum Thursday for increasing Iowa State’s research and development and its diversity among graduate students, faculty and staff. Malayer is the associate dean for research and graduate education in the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University.

Iowa State has had the lowest research and development expenditures among its land-grant university peers, Malayer said. In the fiscal year 2006, Iowa State spent just under $222 million in research and development, according to figures from the National Science Foundation. Many land-grant universities across the country spent two or even three times that amount in the same time period.

If hired, Malayer would challenge Iowa State to double its research and development expenditures within the next five years. He said the goal is attainable but would be a challenge, especially in today’s slumping economy.

“We still have to set the goal and say this is what we’re going to work toward,” he said.

Malayer shared his excitement for the positive impact he can help others make on people and on the university.

“You can go into a career as a researcher with the idea that I’m going to publish a lot of papers, get a lot of grant money and be very successful,” Malayer said. “But along the way you impact people’s lives.”

The role of the research and economic development position, Malayer said, includes the recruitment of talented and diverse faculty members and creating a climate that encourages research and economic growth. Ensuring university-wide compliance is also an important part of the position.

“People are watching us,” he said. “They’re watching for responsible conduct and they’re watching us because we got their money.”

The push for diversity must start at the individual department level before it can spread throughout the university, Malayer said.

“The president can say, the provost can say, but until you change the culture of the departments, things are not going to change significantly,” he said.

Another important goal, Malayer said, is to increase Iowa State’s influence around the world.

“This university can and should have a global presence, a global initiative,” he said. “The expertise that’s on this campus can influence the entire world.”

The open forum was held Thursday afternoon in 1115 Pearson Hall. The next open forum takes place at 2 p.m. Monday in the Howe Hall auditorium. The candidate is Sharron Quisenberry, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech.