RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Deepak Kumar Named Associate Provost and Dean of Research at North Carolina Central University (from NCCU website)
Deepak Kumar is Associate Provost and Dean of Research and Sponsored Programs, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute. As director of BBRI, Dr. Kumar serves as the scientific leader of NCCU’s JLC-BBRI research facilities in Durham and Kannapolis, NC (North Carolina Research Campus-NCRC). He is a cancer researcher and has been funded continuously by NIH since his first faculty appointment 15 years ago, most recently via R01 funding to study social epigenomics in prostate cancer and a U01 grant to study epigenetics of prostate cancer disparities. Throughout his career, he has obtained extramural funding in excess of $33 million in grant funds.
Dr. Kumar is also the principal investigator (PI) of the NIMHD U54 RCMI grant and directs the NCCU RCMI Center for Health Disparities Research (RCHDR). At JLC-BBRI, he is charged with providing leadership for a broadly based research portfolio that includes cancer, cardio-metabolic disorders, neuroscience, and nutrition. Dr. Kumar has the responsibility of providing scientific guidance on the planning, direction, and implementation of NCCU’s research enterprise, as well as providing leadership to individuals and teams of investigators in developing a strategic approach for increasing the innovation and competitiveness of research.
As a scientist, he brings expertise in cancer cell and molecular biology, specifically characterizing miRNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and stratification. His lab currently focuses on (1) characterizing molecular targets in prostate, breast, and colon cancer; (2) microRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in prostate and breast cancer; (3) characterizing molecular targets and signaling pathways modulated by micronutrients; and most importantly, (4) enhancing minority participation in cancer research through education and training in cancer research at all levels.
Dr. Kumar has mentored many faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and high school, graduate, and undergraduate students, most of whom are from underrepresented minorities. He has more than r 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, 10 patents/applications, and more than 100 presentations. Dr. Kumar joined NCCU in December 2016, and due to his efforts, since then JLC-BBRI has more than doubled its extramural funding. As PI, Dr. Kumar has received the largest non-title III grant in NCCU’s history ($16.3 million/5 years). In addition, he received a $3.2 million 5-year R01 grant to address social epigenetics in prostate cancer disparities. Dr. Kumar has become the NCCU faculty with the largest amount of extramural funding with more than $20 million as PI.
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Grambling State University Launches GR2: Grambling Research and Resource Foundation to Power R2 Status and Strategic Growth (Grambling Website)
Grambling, LA — July 2, 2025 — Grambling State University proudly announces the launch of the GR2 Foundation: Grambling Research and Resource Foundation, a transformative new nonprofit designed to advance the university’s pursuit of R2 (Research 2) classification, deepen its research footprint, and build long-term financial resilience.
The launch of GR2 marks a strategic leap forward as Grambling State prepares to unveil its new institutional strategic plan in 2026. That plan places research, graduate education, and resource development at the core of the university’s next era. GR2 will be the platform that powers these ambitions—mobilizing philanthropy, expanding public-private partnerships, and cementing the institution’s position as a top-tier HBCU for innovation, impact, and opportunity.
“GR2 is the engine behind our next chapter,” said Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr., President of Grambling State University. “It represents not just a commitment to excellence, but a belief in the transformational power of HBCUs to lead in discovery, technology, and equitable access. As we rise toward R2 status, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable Grambling State.”
About Grambling State University
Grambling State University combines the academic excellence of a major institution with the supportive atmosphere of a close-knit community, creating an environment where students are empowered to become something more. As the first and only HBCU with a digital library, Grambling State continues to break boundaries and expand what’s possible through curiosity, collaboration, and commitment.
Founded in 1901 in Grambling, Louisiana, the university offers 46 undergraduate and graduate programs across a historic 590-acre campus. With nationally recognized athletics, an acclaimed marching band, and vibrant student life, Grambling State is a place where every individual is seen, supported, and inspired to succeed. Our ethos—Where Everybody is Somebody—reflects the legacy we honor and the future we’re building. Learn more at www.gram.edu.