The SALT welcomes new members, Dr. J. Chris Ford, Chief Research Officer and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, and Mr. Ozie Ratcliff, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management.
Dr. J. Chris Ford is a pioneering leader in renewable energy, innovation ecosystems, and technology commercialization, serving as CEO of Solis Power, LLC and Golden Technologies, Inc. Prior to joining Florida 久久精品福利资源, Dr. Ford held dual roles at Florida International University (FIU) as Principal Scientist in the Applied Research Center and Lecturer on Engineering Entrepreneurship. Dr. Ford has a remarkable track record in fostering innovation and monetizing intellectual property. From 2012 to 2017, Dr. Ford served as Technical and Technology Transfer Advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), where he developed a national technology commercialization program and oversaw the valuation of $77 billion in intellectual property. He advised on initiatives under the Obama administration’s Economic Policy Committee, Power Africa, and Minorities in Energy programs. He has directed multiple federal programs at FIU and the University of Houston, supporting over 55 businesses, developing 90 IP-Product Plans, and training 332 engineering and business graduate students in entrepreneurship. He led capture of Federal innovation and SBIR/STTR grants spanning DOE, DOD, DOC, and the Sloan Foundation.
Dr. Ford earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech and a B.S. in mathematics and dual degree engineering from Morehouse College. His research focused on energy storage technologies, system design and optimization, and manufacturing. While at Georgia Tech, Dr. Ford received certificates in Technology Commercialization and Engineering Entrepreneurship.
At Solis Power, Dr. Ford is leading the charge in developing, manufacturing, and deploying a groundbreaking concentrated solar power (CSP) and thermal energy storage (TES) system. Under his leadership, Solis Power has raised substantial capital, secured a $150 million expansion, and received a prestigious DOE demonstration contract.
Dr. Ford has also served as an advisory board member for the California Clean Energy Fund and NSF2026 Equitable Energy Transition, contributing to the advancement of renewable energy and inclusive innovation.
Mr. Ozie Ratcliff is a passionate higher education leader with over 15 years of experience overseeing all financial aid operations at various colleges and universities across the US. As a professional committed to the ideals of both higher learning and student success, Mr. Ratcliff has served as a driving force in the initiation of comprehensive financial aid programs and strategies. His career boasts proven records of innovation in the areas of financial aid, student recruitment, and admissions which have served to provide access opportunities for diverse student populations.
Mr. Ratcliff holds a Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting and a Master of Business Administration. He has contributed his extensive knowledge and skillsets in administrative positions to universities including Jackson State University, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and George Washington University. During his tenure, he fostered innovative and effective campus collaborations, resulting in increased administrative capabilities and assisted in record breaking enrollment strategies. Additionally, through his participation in numerous leadership institutes, forums and symposiums, Mr. Ratcliff has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fostering inclusive听 enrollment practices, streamlining financial aid processes, and leveraging data-driven strategies to increase student retention and completion rates.
Born and raised in Jackson, MS, Mr. Ratcliff has developed a deep love for assisting families with the necessary resources to afford their dream of receiving a higher education, working tirelessly to bring efficiency and equity to any office he oversees. Further reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement, he has a proven track record of implementing scholarship initiatives, securing funding for need-based programs, and building partnerships with community organizations to expand educational opportunities.
When not working, Ozie enjoys traveling with friends, attending community events, mentoring young leaders, and spending time with family.
The Student and Academic Leadership Team (SALT) is led by Dr. Jacqueline B. Hill, Executive Vice President and Provost. The SALT provides exceptional leadership in various units/divisions such as Academic Affairs, Academic Services (advising , career center and closet, dual enrollment, teaching and learning, summer programs, and academic outreach), Student Life (housing, mental health services, band, extracurricular activities, student government association, student clubs and organizations and student conduct), Admissions and Financial Aid,听 Institutional Effectiveness Research and Planning, Undergraduate and Graduate Programs and Partnerships.
