Achieving National Recognition

There are many milestones and metrics used to measure the growth of research and creative activity at universities. This past year, Chapman achieved the milestone of an R2 designation as part of the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The promotion not only recognizes the University’s robust growth in research and scholarly and creative activity, but it opens doors to enhancements that will improve student experience and opportunities. This will help Chapman recruit top faculty and students, broaden and enhance competitiveness in research efforts, and attract new partnerships with the community to support economic development in the region.

The R2 designation is part of a long-term plan and investments by Chapman to support research. Included is more than $20 million for major research equipment in facilities such as the Keck Center for Science and Engineering and the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine. In addition, during this past year Chapman has invested more than $6 million in institutional funds for research, scholarship and creative activities that allow faculty and students to explore new ideas and share their work at national meetings.

Chapman’s 2018-2023 strategic plan also reflects the commitment to research. Significant progress has been made in the first year of the plan, including the establishment of the new Brain Institute, which received $7 million from the John Templeton Foundation and the Fetzer Institute. Among the other achievements are the launch of the new Fowler School of Engineering; Chapman’s first Rhodes Scholarship, earned by biochemistry and molecular biology major Vidal Arroyo ’19 ; and an International Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for the inaugural issue of Chapman Forward magazine.

The stories presented in the latest edition of Chapman Forward highlight just a few of the exciting areas where Chapman faculty and students are making a difference in the world and in our community. Many of these efforts are funded by outside sponsors such as federal, state and local nonprofits and foundations. These sponsors support diverse research projects that include groundbreaking work in quantum physics, collaborations in art and science, math education for diverse populations, field research on birds in Wisconsin, inclusive education for people with disabilities, and consideration of how California’s housing crisis affects the middle class.

This 2019 issue of Chapman Forward provides a glimpse into the efforts that have helped Chapman achieve R2 status and create great experiences for our students. We invite you to join us as we highlight the many ways Chapman faculty and students explore boldly.

Thomas Piechota, Ph.D. 
Vice President for Research