Jennifer Creighton serves as the Associate Vice President for Research Administration, Finance and Operations in Oregon State University’s Division of Research and Innovation. In this leadership role, she provides overall management and administrative guidance, advising on universitywide research strategies, risk tolerance, resource stewardship and operational execution. She oversees DRI’s fiscal and operational functions in support of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, DRI leadership, and OSU’s Centers, Institutes and Core Facilities. Jennifer reports directly to the Vice President for Research and Innovation and serves as a member of the DRI senior leadership team.
She manages OSU’s multi-funding research portfolio and leads fiscal strategy, forecasting, budget development and compliance, while also overseeing pre- and post-award administration. Jennifer directs the DRI finance and operations team, advances efficiency and sustainability across the university, and collaborates nationally with peers to align OSU’s practices with research administration best standards.
With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Jennifer has held leadership roles in research administration, finance, operations, accounting and budget management. Prior to joining OSU, she spent 12 years at the University of Oregon. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting, with minors in Economics, Political Science, and Planning, Public Policy and Management, and a Master of Public Administration with a certificate in Nonprofit Management, all from the University of Oregon. She is also LEAN Certified.
Passionate about her team, continuous learning and employee development, Jennifer is committed to supporting student success and advancing OSU’s research mission. She has taught Budget and Finance courses in the College Student Services Administration master’s program, both on campus and through E-Campus, and values opportunities to give back to the university community through teaching and mentorship.