| Eight employees from different departments have received the designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA) from the National Research Administrators Certification Council. The certification represents the highest level of professional achievement in the field of research administration.
Earning the certification are:
- Sharon Boyd, assistant director of operations in the Contracts and Grants Office
- John Chaffee, coordinator of government agreements in Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services
- Patty Davis, coordinator of centers, institutes and laboratories in Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services
- Kim Fogg, operations manger in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department
- Linda Lancaster, director of finance and contracts in the Institute for Transportation Research and Education
- Ginny Moser, manager of client relations and facilitation in Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services
- Matt Ronning, associate vice chancellor and director of Research Administration
- Amanda Tueting, fiscal manager in the Contracts and Grants Office.
Individuals earn certification if they meet a minimum standard of education and years of experience. They also have to pass an extensive examination of their competencies in a broad body of knowledge relative to research and sponsored program management. The test includes questions in the areas of project development and administration, legal requirements and sponsor interface, financial management and general management.
In order to prepare for the exam, the candidates formed a local study group and committed several hours of personal time.
“Professional certification is the pinnacle of an exciting life-long training program and a joint-venture between the offices of Sponsored Programs and Contracts and Grants,” said Ronning.
The process isn’t complete with the CRA distinction. The candidates must complete extensive continuing professional education credits and reapply for certification every five years.
Formed by the Society of Research Administrators in 1993, the Research Administrators Certification Council is an independent non-profit organization that is composed of active certified research administrators whose role is to certify that an individual, through experience and testing, has the fundamental knowledge necessary to be a professional research or sponsored programs administrator. |
