University of New Orleans Names New Vice President of Research and Economic Development
University of New Orleans President Peter J. Fos announced that Kenneth W. Sewell has been named vice president for research and economic development. Sewell is currently vice president for research and economic development at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. His appointment must be approved by the University of Louisiana System Board.
Sewell will oversee all research and economic development activities at the University of New Orleans, including those sponsored by the UNO Research and Technology Park, located on the University's Lakefront campus.
"Dr. Sewell brings over five years of experience in administering research and economic development at a major university," said President Peter J. Fos. "His ability to engage faculty in the promotion of research and his industry connections will help serve the mission of the University of New Orleans. I am certain that, with his guidance and leadership, the research portfolio of the University of New Orleans will improve significantly."
As the chief research officer for UNT, Sewell was responsible for promoting research, scholarship and artistic creativity in support of the entire mission of the university. He worked with deans, chairs and faculty, as well as funding agencies and other institutions, to enhance UNT's research profile.
Prior to his post as vice president, Sewell served as associate vice president from 2008 to 2013, and brings additional experience from a variety of administrative positions throughout his career. He has served on numerous key university-level committees and boards since joining UNT, including membership on the University Review Committee, and chairing the Institutional Review Board. Sewell was director of the UNT doctoral program in clinical psychology from 1996 to 2008.
Sewell graduated summa cum laude from Kansas State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He received his master's and doctoral degrees in psychology from the University of Kansas. Following a clinical internship with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Sewell joined UNT's Department of Psychology faculty in 1991.
