By Maria Gonzalez

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JUNE 29, 2023 – The UTRGV Division of Research has announced the appointment of Abby Guillory as the new assistant vice president for Research Enhancement.

Guillory, who holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from UL Lafayette, currently is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership there. 

Abby Guillory was recently appointed the new assistant vice president for Research Enhancement at UTRGV. Formerly the director of Research and Sponsored Programs at UL Lafayette and director of Education and Training at North Carolina State University, Guillory assumes her new position at UTRGV on Aug. 7. (Courtesy Photo)

Formerly the director of Research and Sponsored Programs at UL Lafayette and director of Education and Training at North Carolina State University, Guillory assumes her new position at UTRGV on Aug. 7. She will report directly to Dr. Can (John) Saygin, senior vice president for Research.

Saygin said he is excited what Guillory will bring to the table at UTRGV. 

“Her extensive experience in educational leadership, research administration and faculty research development, combined with her passion for fostering a supportive and collaborative research environment, make her an ideal candidate for this role," he said.

Research enhancement is critical to the university and aligns with UTRGV's strategic goals.

"This is a new leadership position with a portfolio of new services, in a newly established unit in our division that primarily will focus on faculty success in terms of research development."

The overarching goal for this new position is to expand, enhance and sustain research and scholarly activities at UTRGV.

"Abby will work closely with our senior leadership teams across the institution, partnering with various external stakeholders and collaborating with the Division of Academic Affairs to strengthen our commitment to faculty success," Saygin said.

Guillory will be tasked with supporting faculty research efforts by developing programs and initiatives that promote faculty research, scholarship and creative activities. She also will serve as an advisor and liaison, providing strategic guidance to faculty at the college/departmental level and leading training programs to enhance their research portfolios.

"Her appointment reinforces our commitment to creating a vibrant research environment that fosters innovation, collaboration and scholarly excellence," Saygin said.

Guillory said she is excited to join UTRGV and contribute to the university's growing research efforts.

"I am eager to leverage my experience and expertise to support faculty research, foster collaborations and enhance the overall research reputation of UTRGV," Guillory said. "I believe that, by providing targeted programs and resources, we can empower faculty to excel in their research endeavors.”