Who We Are
What is CSCE?
The Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence (CSCE) promotes a culture of active, engaged, and ethical scholarship through supporting innovative faculty and student research and collaborative partnerships across disciplines and in the broader community. CSCE encourages innovation and enterprise, facilitates collaborations, and serves as an advocate for university scholarship and creative practice. CSCE houses six units and is overseen by Dr. Robert P. Smart, Vice Provost for Research Administration and Executive Director, Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence.
Robert P. Smart, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Research Administration
Executive Director, Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence
Dr. Smart is the founding Executive Director for the Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence (CSCE) at Grand Valley State University. CSCE oversees Grand Valley’s research enterprise including all extramural and intramural funding, research protections, and undergraduate research and scholarship. Dr. Smart holds a B.A. degree with honors from Albion College and a Doctorate in organic chemistry from Michigan State University. He holds the rank of Full Professor of Chemistry. He is accomplished in all areas, receiving awards in research, teaching, and service.
Shelley Sickrey, M.A.
Administrative Assistant
Shelley has been in this position with CSCE since December of 2022, but she has been a member of the division since 2010 when she worked in the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS). She currently works with Dr. Smart in administering internal faculty grants, maintaining budgets, and assisting the Faculty Research and Development Committee, among other roles. Shelley studied at Grand Valley State University as an undergraduate, earning her B.A. with majors in Legal Studies and English, and a minor in Political Science. She went on to earn her Master of Arts in English Literature from GVSU. Shelley enjoys being in an academic setting almost as much as she enjoys her time in Gotham, Westeros, Hogwarts, and sports stadiums.
CSCE Units
Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement
(CUSE)
CUSE houses the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) and the Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships. CUSE provides students with the opportunity and support to conduct research, apply for competitive inter/national fellowship/scholarships to fund study abroad, post-graduate opportunities, and more.
Office of Research Compliance and Integrity
(ORCI)
ORCI oversees general research practices, such as Responsible Conduct of Research and Conflict of Interest in Research, as well as more specialized areas, such as Human Subjects Research and Animal Care and Use.
Office of Sponsored Programs
(OSP)
OSP serves as the University's central office that supports faculty and staff in the identification, development, submission, and administration of externally sponsored agreements for scholarly research and creative activity.
Technology Commercialization Office
(TCO)
TCO is the university resource for creating productive relationships in the quest for discovery, learning, and engagement between the university and business community.
Padnos International Center
(PIC)
PIC's mission is to engage the University community in meaningful international experiences which foster an appreciation and awareness of diverse cultures, people, and ideas.
Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy
(JCP)