Sharon Paynter named Senior Vice Provost for Research and Innovation at East Carolina University

Sharon Paynter named Senior Vice Provost for Research and Innovation at East Carolina University

GREENVILLE, N.C. (2/25/26) - A trusted leader who offered a steady hand and strong leadership on an interim basis in an ever-changing research environment, Dr. Sharon Paynter has been named Senior Vice Provost for Research and Innovation by the provost effective immediately, and in that role will serve as chief research officer for the university.

A native North Carolinian, Paynter served in progressively expanding leadership roles here for more than a decade including Acting Chief Research and Engagement Officer, Interim Chief Research Officer and Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer. She received her doctorate from North Carolina State University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Brown University. She holds master's degrees from the University of Denver and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she also earned her bachelor's degree.

Chancellor Philip Rogers said Paynter has expanded the scope and results of the Office of Research under her watch.

"Sharon proved her ability to lead through a complex period of change for the higher education research landscape time and time again," Rogers said. "Her early success guiding community engagement and economic development projects led to progressively larger and more strategic work for ECU. With every accomplishment, more and more enterprise work found its way to her portfolio. And she delivered."

Provost Chris Buddo emphasized Paynter's stabilizing leadership over a period of organizational changes.

"Dr. Paynter provided continuity to one of the university's most enterprising and essential offices at a time of transition," Buddo said. "She's a seasoned leader with the institutional background to advance our R1 mission in a time of considerable external uncertainty. I have complete confidence that she and her team will be able to leverage our past success as they continue to build a thriving research and innovation enterprise."

"Naming her to this role permanently recognizes the impact she has made and the potential still ahead," Rogers said.

A professor of public policy, administration and economic development, Paynter secured more than $4.4 million in external funding as principal investigator or co-investigator in her academic work and has supported hundreds of student assistantships. She has served on the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, and multiple statewide advisory bodies.

"East Carolina University is special," Paynter said. "Its mission is what attracted me as a new faculty member so many years ago, and I'm honored to begin serving in this role on a permanent basis and excited about our future.

"The ECU research and innovation enterprise brings together opportunity and expertise in ways that deeply impact the people and places around us.

"Because of our faculty and our students, we have so much potential - to help our institution live out its service motto so well."

Contact: ECU News Services, [email protected]

Telephone: 252-328-6481

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About East Carolina University

Founded in 1907 as a teacher's college, East Carolina University (ECU) is a Carnegie R1 designated research institution that is a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation. ECU is a member of the University of North Carolina System and serves nearly 27,000 students through more than 160 degree programs. The university advances innovation and discovery in health care, coastal resilience, education and regional economic growth. Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU is committed to being a national leader in community-focused innovation, bringing meaningful impact across the state and nation.

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East Carolina University News Services

Howard House, 1001 E. Fifth Street

Greenville, NC 27858

[email protected]

Phone: 252-328-6481