Nyra Thornton has been named assistant to the vice president for research, creative activities and technology transfer at NDSU. She fills the position previously held by Pat Suchan, who retired May 12.

Thornton joined NDSU in September 1996 as an assistant in the Office of University Relations. She transferred to Sponsored Programs Administration in the Office of Research, Creative Activities and Technology Transfer in July 2000 as an administrative secretary and later was named program assistant.

Thornton brings broad experience in processing research awards and understanding of the research enterprise at NDSU.