Kari Babski-Reeves Joins UT System as Associate Vice President for Research

For Immediate Release
August 06, 2024

KNOXVILLE - The University of Tennessee System has named Kari Babski-Reeves as associate vice president for research. She will begin the position on Oct. 1.

In this role, Babski-Reeves will provide strategic leadership to advance the UT System's research agenda, facilitating efforts across the University's campuses and institutes to develop and enhance research capacity and productivity.

"Research at our campuses transforms lives in Tennessee, the nation and the world," UT System President Randy Boyd said. "As we continue the greatest decade in UT history, we are committed to enhancing and extending our University system's reach in research. Kari's extensive experience and proven success in research align perfectly with our goal to broaden the reach and impact of our research."

Boyd also expressed his gratitude to Maha Krishnamurthy, president of the University of Tennessee Research Foundation, who continues to serve in this role until Babski-Reeves' arrival. "I want to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Krishnamurthy for her outstanding service and dedication in this interim role. Her leadership kept our research efforts on track and moving forward," said Boyd.

Babski-Reeves will work closely with research leaders at UT System campuses and institutes to enhance research capacity and productivity. She also will partner to develop and strengthen collaborations with external stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies and other academic institutions. Additionally, she will work with colleagues to promote new initiatives, leverage resources and identify ways to increase research efficiency and effectiveness.

"Kari's leadership will be critical in advancing our systemwide research priorities," said Bernie Savarese, vice president for academic affairs, research and student success for the UT System. "Her proven track record of developing successful research outcomes that are innovative and impactful will help us continue to drive the UT System to new heights of academic and research excellence."

As an advocate for research investments that build capacity at UT System campuses and institutes, Babski-Reeves will focus on grants and contracts that encourage collaboration and unite UT System institutions and their partners. She also will play a crucial role in the Grand Challenge grants program, which addresses critical challenges in Tennessee by investing up to $5 million in community projects and research. Additionally, she will oversee the implementation of integrated system-wide electronic research software while also supporting policy development, institutional compliance and strategic planning.

"It is my greatest honor to take on this role and contribute to the UT System's research initiatives," she said. "I look forward to collaborating with our system institutions and external partners to elevate our research capabilities and drive meaningful outcomes that benefit our local, national and global partners. Working together as one we will have an even greater impact on Tennessee and beyond."

With 18 years at Mississippi State University, Babski-Reeves currently serves as associate dean at the Bagley College of Engineering where she leads research, graduate and distance programs. Under her leadership, the college significantly increased research expenditures and introduced initiatives to enhance grant writing, collaborative research, distance education and strategic partnerships. She also leads the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, which has significant growth in enrollment, publications and new program offerings.

Babski-Reeves' research, funded by organizations such as the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Defense, Department of Energy and other federal agencies and industry partners, focuses on human factors, ergonomics and safety. Her work has been published in top journals such as Human Factors, Ergonomics, IISE Transactions and the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics.

Babski-Reeves earned her doctorate, master's and bachelor's degrees in industrial engineering from Mississippi State University. She joined the Mississippi State University faculty in 2006 after serving on the faculty at Virginia Tech.

Contact:
Melissa Tindell, (865) 974-0741, [email protected]
505 Summer Place, UT Tower, Knoxville, TN 37902

Jason Moody, (865) 974-4442, [email protected]
505 Summer Place, UT Tower, Knoxville, TN 37902

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