Eric M. Kern has been appointed as the new associate vice president for Sponsored Programs and executive director of the Augusta University Research Institute, with his tenure beginning on January 12, 2026. Prior to this role, Kern was the senior director for Research Strategic Initiatives at the University of South Florida (USF).
Kern is recognized for his work in digital transformation within research administration. He has implemented enterprise systems, developed dashboards and reporting tools, and integrated artificial intelligence to improve workflow efficiency and support decision-making processes.
“Eric Kern is an outstanding addition to our research enterprise. He will institute processes that save us time and effort and help to maximize our research funding,” said David C. Hess, MD, dean of the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and interim executive vice president for Research and Innovation.
With more than 15 years of experience in research administration, compliance, and financial stewardship, Kern spent 11 years at USF in various leadership roles focused on research and innovation. His background includes modernizing research operations, strengthening administrative frameworks, and creating service models aimed at supporting faculty researchers.
“Augusta University is charting an extraordinary course, with a bold commitment to discovery, innovation and community impact,” Kern stated. “I’m honored to join the Jaguar community at this pivotal moment to help refine and elevate a research enterprise driven by operational excellence and positioned for national prominence as a preeminent research institution.”
At USF, Kern managed a $738 million research portfolio across multiple funding sources—including federal agencies—and oversaw a $7 million operating budget. His efforts led to $500,000 in recurring annual savings through improved service delivery methods.
He also directed the rollout of new technology platforms such as the Huron Research Suite and enterprise dashboards. These initiatives expanded AI-enabled tools used for enhancing transparency in operations and supporting decision-making among executives. Additionally, he collaborated with faculty members and administrators to reduce administrative workload while aligning services with institutional growth goals.
“We are absolutely delighted to lure someone of Eric’s caliber to this key leadership role. Eric brings a wealth of experience, energy, and a sense of strategy to Augusta University,” said Christopher McKinney, associate vice president for Innovation Commercialization as well as interim associate vice president for Sponsored Programs and interim executive director of the Research Institute.
Earlier positions held by Kern include roles at University of California Irvine; Central Michigan University; Logistics Team; as well as other organizations in higher education or industry sectors—contributing further perspective on operational management within complex environments.
Kern holds both Bachelor’s (2008) and Master’s (2010) degrees in Business Administration from Central Michigan.
