Dean Biography

Dr. Clifton P. Griffin joined Salisbury University in 2010 as the inaugural holder of the position of Dean of Graduate Studies and Research (Graduate School and Research as of March 2024). Dean Griffin provides administrative oversight of SU’s Master's degrees and two doctoral programs. He also serves as the chief research officer and leading advocate for acquiring and developing resources to enhance faculty and student research and scholarly activity.

During his time at Salisbury University, the following initiatives have been developed: SU Research Day and Innovation Showcase, the Re:Search magazine, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, full implementation of doctoral programs in nursing and education, enhanced and improved research compliance oversight, the Faculty Mini-Grants program, Research and Presentation Grants for graduate students, the Graduate Student Council, and an overall increase in effective research and graduate studies administration.

Before joining Salisbury University, Dean Griffin served for two and one-half years as Director of Research and Graduate Studies Services for Texas A&M University at Qatar, where he developed and led daily operations for all aspects of research services and graduate administration. Prior to this he served for eight years in the Office of Graduate Studies at Texas A&M University, eventually becoming Assistant Dean.

Dean Griffin earned his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, and his M.S. and B.S. degrees from Delta State University in Mississippi. He is the recipient of the International Excellence Award, Group Leader (2005), the International Excellence Award (2004) and the Tradition of Excellence Award, Division of Academic Affairs, at Texas A&M University. Dean Griffin participated in the State-wide Leadership Maryland program in 2012 and the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2016.