A message from Penny Gordon-Larsen, Vice Chancellor for Research
Dear colleagues,
I am excited to share that Jill Aronson Pfaendtner has been named assistant vice chancellor for research strategy and impact, effective June 8, 2026. In this position, she will play a pivotal role in strengthening the university’s research enterprise by fostering connections, partnerships, and initiatives that amplify the reach and impact of UNC’s research.
Key aspects of Jill’s new position include enhancing operational effectiveness of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and its 13 pan-campus centers and institutes, aligning strategies that advance UNC-Chapel Hill’s research mission, and growing external engagement and partnerships. As part of her scope of responsibilities, Jill will also oversee the Office of Research Communications.
Since May 2024, Jill has served as the director of strategic research collaborations for OVCR, advancing the strategic goals of the organization by promoting collaborative and team science, and providing oversight and implementation of strategy for OVCR’s centers and institutes. She has also worked closely with campus leadership and the University Development Office to create new opportunities across Carolina with external research partners. Jill will continue to play a critical role in developing metrics and tracking the strategic goals of the OVCR to ensure progress on university-level research strategy.
Jill joined Carolina from the University of Washington in Seattle where she worked as a research administrator for a variety of interdisciplinary institutes and initiatives spanning AI, clean energy, and biotech. She has 20 years of experience establishing and growing non-profit operations for academic, research, and industry programs. She has an MEd in educational leadership & policy studies from the University of Washington and a BA in religion and Spanish from Kalamazoo College.
Please join me in welcoming Jill to this new role!
Sincerely,
Penny Gordon-Larsen, Vice Chancellor for Research