Lisa Colvin has been named interim director of Graduate Studies and Research at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She will begin her new position Monday, July 16.

Colvin is an active researcher in the field of childhood obesity, a professor in the kinesiology department, and the director of ULM’s Human Performance Laboratory.

She also serves as an adjunct professor at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, where she is currently co-investigator for the NIH and USDA-funded LA Health project and the primary investigator for the U.S. Department of Education-funded LA Health TEACH grant.

“I am very excited about this administrative appointment, and I am confident that Dr. Colvin will continue the tradition of exceptional leadership in Graduate Studies and Research,” said Stephen Richters, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Virginia Eaton, the former head of Graduate Studies and Research, has decided to return to the classroom after serving as director for the last five years.

“I would like to thank Dr. Eaton for the excellent job she has done and wish her well as she resumes her teaching career,” Richters said.

ULM will form a search committee charged with conducting a national search to identify a permanent replacement for this important administrative position.