Research & Strategic Initiatives

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Strategic Initiatives drives forward-thinking, data-informed projects that support Belmont’s institutional goals and academic excellence. Through promoting innovation and research development, the office aligns university efforts with emerging opportunities in higher education.

Dr. Erich Baker

Dr. Erich Baker currently serves Belmont as the Vice Provost for Research and Strategic Initiatives and Professor of Computer Science. As a former Department Chair and Dean at Baylor University, Erich brings more than 22 years of experience in research and academic administration to Belmont to support the future growth of Belmont’s vibrant mission.

Biography Curriculum Vitae

Strategic Initiatives

Our office leads and supports a range of strategic efforts in collaboration with faculty, staff, and administrative leaders that advance the academic mission of the university. Current initiatives include digital badging, faculty role evaluation, and on-going task forces addressing emerging academic needs.

Madeleine Fossler

Madeleine Fossler serves as Academic Projects Manager at Belmont University, where she leads university-wide policy processes as Vice Chair of the Policy Review Committee, supports strategic planning through data analysis, and advances initiatives like digital badging and foster care engagement. She holds an MBA from Belmont University and a BBA from Baylor University with concentrations in marketing, entrepreneurship, and corporate innovation.

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Office of Sponsored Programs

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) supports faculty and staff throughout the grant life cycle, from initial interest in pursuing a grant, through compliant administration, all the way to grant closeout.

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University Library Services

Whether you're here to find a quiet study spot, access a wealth of academic resources, or explore our extensive digital collections, the library is dedicated to supporting your academic journey.

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Office of Institutional Research & Strategic Analytics

Belmont's Institutional Research & Strategic Analytics Office (IRSA) serves the university community through the effective collection, integration, analysis and presentation of institutional data to enable continuous innovation, promote excellence, and enhance student success.

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Belmont Data & AI Collaborative

Through a “Data Mindset” we empower individuals to think different with data and to provide a framework for community level analytics and projects for good.

Institutional Review Board

The IRB is an administrative committee established to provide ethical review and protection of the rights and welfare of human research subjects. The IRB is charged with reviewing all federally protected human subject studies conducted under the auspices of Belmont University.

Academic Space Requests

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Strategic Initiatives reviews requests for new academic space, renovations, and related needs such as office furnishings and technology upgrades. All submissions will be reviewed and routed to the Provost's Office for formal approval.

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Belmont Policy Review Committee

This committee oversees academic policy development, review, and implementation in partnership with faculty leadership. While Erich Baker and Lauri Chaudoin serve as co-chairs of the University Policy Committee, Madeleine Fossler serves as the primary point of contact for policy coordination and support.

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Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation

As a leader in healthcare simulation training, we are dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through immersive, innovative experiences.

Strategic Program Valuation

We partner with Educational Innovation and Academic Affairs to assess graduate and undergraduate programs for long-term sustainability and mission alignment, combining financial, market, and academic factors to guide strategic university planning.

Research & Strategic Initiatives

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