M. Omar Faison

Virginia State University

Dr. M. Omar Faison is Associate Vice Provost for Research and Economic Development, Chief Research Officer, Interim Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Associate Professor of Biology at Virginia State University. In his roles, he works closely with academic colleges and their faculty to enhance and facilitate research, scholarship, outreach and innovation. His career has focused on helping institutions of higher education support underrepresented and under-resourced communities. He has 12 years of progressive leadership experience in both research and academic administration and served in leadership capacities for two university strategic planning processes. While at Virginia State, he has developed and taught numerous biology and neuroscience courses, written several refereed publications, including a book chapter on improving minority student mathematics performance through cognitive training, and has received grant funding for his research.

Faison earned a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hampton University. He was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University.