Optical sciences director will be next research VP

Richard Powell, who has been optical sciences head since 1992, said he plans to increase "creative activities" such as research and fine arts and improve communication.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity," said Powell, 58. "There are a lot of ways we can build collaborations - build new research and vital programs and build bridges to constituents and the Arizona government," Powell said.

Michael Cusanovich announced his resignation as vice president for research and graduate studies in April. Powell will assume the post Jan. 1.

A 16-member selection committee chose Cusanovich's replacement from a pool of 10 applicants.

The three finalists - Powell, Tom Hixon, dean of the UA Graduate College, and Lynn Nadel, psychology department head - participated in separate 90-minute open forums in early November.

The search committee presented a report to UA Provost Paul Sypherd after the forums were completed. UA President Peter Likins made the final decision.

Cusanovich said Powell is qualified for the job.

"He is an individual who has extensive experience with the government and private sector," Cusanovich said. "He has spectacular success with everything he has done."

Powell said Cusanovich is a "hard act to follow."

"I think Mike Cusanovich did an outstanding job," Powell said. "He understood very well the role of creative activities and had a broad perspective, and because of this he was able to make the right decisions."

Powell has been a University of Arizona professor and director of optical sciences since 1992.

Before coming to Tucson, he was an Oklahoma State University professor and director of the school's Center for Laser Research from 1988 to 1992.

Powell said the UA already has many strengths, including medicine, engineering and anthropology.

He said UA leaders can help solve Tucson's water problems or help curb rising health care costs.

"There are quite a few problems in society right now and we need to use our expertise to solve these problems," Powell said.

Powell received a bachelor's degree from the United States Naval Academy in 1962 and a doctorate in physics from Arizona State University in 1967.

He has published more than 250 scientific books, articles and papers.

Rachael Myer can be reached via e-mail at Rachael.Myer@wildcat.arizona.edu.