Old Dominion University (ODU) has announced the appointment of Innovation Leader Kevin Leslie as the institution’s first associate vice president for innovation and commercialization. In his new role, Leslie is set to enhance ODU’s technology transfer operation, focusing on identifying, developing, and marketing intellectual property and startups from the university’s staff, faculty, and students. He will also spearhead applications for federal and other grants linked to innovation and ecosystem building. Leslie, who previously served as the inaugural executive director of the Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium, will collaborate closely with Sarah Jane Kirkland, ODU’s associate vice president for corporate partnerships.
Introduction
From Virginia Business By KATHERINE SCHULTE
Kevin Leslie Appointed as ODU’s Associate VP for Innovation and Commercialization
Kevin Leslie. Photo courtesy Old Dominion University
Kevin Leslie will be Old Dominion University’s first associate vice president for innovation and commercialization, the Norfolk-based university announced Friday.
Responsibilities and Goals
Leslie will improve ODU’s technology transfer operation to better identify, develop and market faculty, staff and student intellectual property and startups. He also will lead federal and other grant applications related to innovation and ecosystem building.
Quote from ODU Vice President for Research
“Dr. Leslie will take ODU’s innovation and commercialization activities to the next level of success, as appropriate for an R1 institution,” Morris Foster, ODU vice president for research, said in a statement. “ODU will expand its role as Hampton Roads’ academic research and innovation leader.”
Previous Experience
For the past two years, Leslie has served as the inaugural executive director of the Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium, a state-sponsored partnership between ODU, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk State University and Sentara Healthcare to advance regional health equity and bio-health innovation.
Education and Achievements
Leslie holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from William & Mary. He has a doctorate in integrated life sciences from VCU.
Collaboration with Sarah Jane Kirkland
In his role, Leslie will work closely with Sarah Jane Kirkland, who ODU named associate vice president for corporate partnerships in December 2022.
Question & Answer
Who is Kevin Leslie and what is his new role at Old Dominion University?
Kevin Leslie has been appointed as Old Dominion University’s first associate vice president for innovation and commercialization. In this role, he will enhance ODU’s technology transfer operation, focusing on identifying, developing, and marketing intellectual property and startups from the university’s staff, faculty, and students.
What are Kevin Leslie’s responsibilities and goals in his new position?
Kevin Leslie will lead federal and other grant applications related to innovation and ecosystem building. He aims to improve ODU’s technology transfer operation by better identifying, developing, and marketing faculty, staff, and student intellectual property and startups.
What is ODU’s goal with Kevin Leslie’s appointment?
ODU aims to expand its role as Hampton Roads’ academic research and innovation leader by taking its innovation and commercialization activities to the next level of success with Kevin Leslie’s expertise.
