Arthur Vailas, UH System vice chancellor of research and intellectual property management and UH vice president of research, has been named Idaho State University president. Vailas will begin his presidency on July 1.

“Art has been a great research leader at the University of Houston, most recently in helping to build partnerships with the Texas Medical Center, including our 30-year operating agreement with Methodist Hospital,” said UH President Jay Gogue.

“He will be missed as both an academic leader and a colleague. His wife, Laura Vailas, also has been an important leader in our College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.” Gogue said.

“I know the entire University of Houston community joins me in congratulating them both and wishing Art and Laura the very best in their new roles as president and first lady of Idaho State University.”

Vailas joined UH in 1995 as vice president for research and vice provost for graduate studies, professor of mechanical engineering, and professor and distinguished chair in biology and biochemistry. Prior to joining UH, Vailas was associate dean for research and development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also was both assistant and associate professor in the department of physiological sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Francine Parker
fparker@central.uh.edu