Robert M. Johnson, FSU's first and only vice president for research, will retire June 30 after almost 28 years as head of the university's research and graduate studies.
Johnson, a professor of biological science, made the announcement early to allow time to conduct a national search for his successor.
"Bob Johnson came here in the 1960s and saw the potential of Florida State's young research programs and has spent his career here building on it," said FSU President Sandy D'Alemberte. "That today we are a Carnegie Foundation Research University I shows just how much his leadership has meant to Florida State."
Johnson, 69, headed graduate studies and research as dean from September 1968, and became vice president in 1987. He has also been a consultant and program director for the National Science Foundation.
"Research funding at Florida State University has increased by about 600 percent over the years Bob Johnson has led the research office," said FSU Provost Larry Abele, himself a biology researcher, "and this success is the direct result of Bob's leadership."
A nationally recognized research administrator, Johnson created "one-stop shopping" consolidation of research administration for faculty seeking grants. He also initiated the Florida Demonstration Project, an experiment to cut federal red tape for Florida and national researchers.
In 1994 Johnson announced the creation of the FSU Research Foundation.
He is chairman of the Leon County Research and Development Authority, which manages Innovation Park.
Johnson earned bachelor's and master's degrees in biology from the University of Detroit and a doctorate in physiology from Michigan State .
The search committee will be led by Alan Mabe, dean of graduate studies. On-campus members are: Vasken Hagopian, physics professor; Frances James, professor of biological science; Ray Fleming, Italian professor; Dean Dianne Montgomery of the School of Social Work; and Professor Isaac Eberstein of the sociology department.
Off-campus members of the committee are Karen Holbrook, vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School at the University of Florida, and Ken van Assenderp, an FSU alumnus and attorney in Tallahassee.