New Orleans LA – Xavier University of Louisiana has appointed Kaneisha Bailey Akinpelumi as Associate Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs, where she will take a lead role in strategically identifying, nurturing and expanding relationships through research-based partnerships, connections to research centers, institutes and programs. 

She joins Xavier from the National Institutes of Health, Office of the Director, where she served as Assistant Grants Policy Officer in the Office of Policy for Extramural Research Administration. 

In her new role, the New Orleans native will work with Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Anne McCall and various other offices to ensure the legal, fiscal, and financial well-being of the university in the areas of grants and research, while providing leadership in establishing relationships with potential funding sources. 

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve Xavier University in this capacity,” said Akinpelumi. “I am looking forward to working with the Provost to expand the university’s research and sponsored projects. A major goal is to foster strategic partnerships for continued growth in the area of scientific research and the translation and commercialization of that research from lab to clinical practice and industry, respectively. Another major goal is to increase grant support of non-STEM areas as well.”

Dr. McCall says that Akinpelumi’s experience will play a vital role in advancing university initiatives.

“I am thrilled that Kaneisha is joining the Xavier family,” she said. “She has the knowledge and experience to do effective administrative research and I believe that as a part of the Provost Leadership Team and Council, her input and efforts will help us to become a better university.”

A veteran grants administrator with expertise in federal regulations and public policy requirements related to grants and scientific research, Akinpelumi has extensive experience as a federal grants manager, state program official, and non-profit executive, providing oversight for hundreds of millions of dollars for several state and federally funded programs over the course of her career. Her certifications include an NIH Grants Management Certification (Level III) as well as the Grant Management (Federal Track) Certification from Management Concepts, Inc.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Social Welfare from Dillard University and a Masters of Social Work Degree from the University of Pennsylvania.  She will officially start her duties at Xavier in September of 2019.