A new unit in the Office for Research and Economic Development (ORED) will oversee and implement the University-wide export compliance program and serve as the University’s export control office.
Collin Rich, director of the Office for Research and Technology Agreements (ORTA), has been named the founding executive director for the new UA Office for Export Controls (UAOEC) and will join ORED’s senior leadership team. His appointment begins Feb. 1.
“There are many aspects involved in establishing practices that protect our University, employees, and visitors. I believe we are very fortunate to have such a professional as Collin to launch our new campus-wide Office for Export Controls,” said Russell Mumper, vice president for research & economic development. “Collin is a highly respected leader on campus and subject matter expert within his respective field, making him the ideal person to lead this effort.”
In his current position, Mr. Rich leads UA’s contracting efforts relative to sponsored research and technology commercialization and partners with industry collaborators to implement sponsored research and other collaborative agreements that provide value for both UA and industry. He will continue to have oversight of ORTA and lead UA’s research contracting efforts.
In addition to these duties, as executive director of the Office for Export Controls, Mr. Rich will broaden his purview to encompass management of all University-wide export control activities and situations.
UA is committed to the principle of academic freedom and openness in carrying out its mission of teaching, research, and service while being equally committed to compliance with applicable laws and regulations restricting the export of critical technologies, information, and services to foreign countries and foreign nationals — inside and outside of the United States. This includes compliance with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations.
Mr. Rich’s keen understanding and comprehensive experience with federal law and regulations have served the University in mission-critical ways since he joined UA in 2016.
Mr. Rich is a graduate of The University of Alabama (BA, 2008) and The University of Alabama School of Law (JD, 2011). He is a member of the Alabama State Bar, National Association of College and University Attorneys, and National Council of University Research Administrators. He serves as a member of the Federal Demonstration Partnership Contracts Subcommittee and holds an Export Compliance Professional – EAR/ITAR (ECoP®) certification.