The Vice President for Research and Economic Development promotes and monitors scholarship within the university community; signs off on all externally funded projects administered by Southern Miss; assists the members of the instructional staff in their scholarly endeavors; presides over all administrative proceedings relating to research, creative activities, and scholarship; coordinates institutional planning; and collaborates with the provost in advising the university president on personnel actions involving members of the academic staff. Advised by the University Research Council , the vice president has direct supervisory responsibility for the Sponsored Programs Administration office. The Vice President serves as a liaison between the university and research institutes, foundations, government agencies, and industry, ensuring compliance with government regulations.