Clifton Griffin

Clifton Griffin is the current Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at Salisbury University. Prior to their current position, Clifton was the Director of Research and Graduate Studies at Texas A&M University - at Qatar from January 2008 to July 2010. During their time as director, they developed all aspects of office operations (research services and graduate administration) in a country that has never had a similar office. Additionally, they oversaw all aspects of research administration, including proposal development, contract negotiation, post-award and project administration and sponsor reporting for approximately $50M – 70 research projects.

Clifton also assisted with the development of a university-level proposal to the Qatar Foundation for formal research infrastructure and graduate programs. Furthermore, they managed all human resources issues for research staff, including position description development, posting, employment contracts development and renewal, and evaluation. Clifton also administered research laboratory (32) commissioning and modifications, including space allocation and safety. Additionally, they served as primary university Export Control contact and administrator. Clifton developed and managed all aspects of research compliance administration in consultation with the Texas A&M University main campus (IRB and Hazardous Materials Use). Clifton also provided administrative oversight for development of short courses and continuing education offerings.

In terms of graduate admissions processes, Clifton oversaw all aspects of graduate assistant hiring, registration, and tuition payments. Clifton also served as crisis management coordinator for Research and Graduate Studies. As needed, Clifton represented the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies.

Clifton Griffin received their Doctor of Philosophy in Wildlife Biology from Texas A&M University. Clifton also holds a Bachelor of Science and M. S. in Biology, General from Delta State University. Griffin has also completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Higher Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education.

They are on a team with Maarten Pereboom - Dean of the Fulton School of Liberal Arts, Michael Scott - Dean of the Henson School of Science and Technology, and Tim Robinson - Chair of the Adjunct Faculty Caucus. and Catherine Raley - President of the Graduate Student Council reports to Clifton Griffin. Clifton Griffin reports to Karen Olmstead, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.