Mark Simonson received both his BA in Social Philosophy and MBA from Marquette University. He started his career as an undergraduate student working with student records in the College of Business Administration Dean’s Office. Upon graduation he transitioned to a role in Information Technology during his graduate studies. After receiving his MBA he was hired as the Director of Academic Business Affairs in the College of Education. In 2013 he served as the Interim Assistant Provost for Division. In 2015 Mark was asked to join Dr. Hossenlopp and Melody Baker form the new office of Research and Innovation as their Business Director. Since then Mark had helped lead efforts in growing research expenditures, improving internal award mechanisms, and managing the growth and ever changing activities of the larger Research and Innovation umbrella. Mark also supports Vice President Dr. Hossenlopp in recent strategic planning activities and serves on the University Planning and Infrastructure Committee.