Kay Tindle is one of three NORDP members to receive the 2018 Rising Star Award for outstanding volunteer contributions to NORDP. We honor Kay in the cameo below:
Who: Dr. Kay J. Tindle, Managing Director of Research Development
Where: Texas Tech University
Number of years in research development: 8
Length of NORDP membership: 5
What recommendations do you have for members to get more involved with NORDP?
I often hear folks talk about reasons not to get involved in professional organizations such as demands of their current job or no time to do something extra.
I have also heard someone say, “You don’t get involved for the job you have, you get involved for the job you want to have.” I believe this and I encourage members to join a working group or committee, volunteer at the conference, host a webinar, give a workshop, or become a mentor or mentee. Your professional development and the connections made can benefit your future career.
If you are unsure of how to get involved contact me at Kayla.Tindle@ttu.edu or any of our committee chairs or co-chairs.
How has your service to NORDP enhanced your career?
Being involved has been incredibly rewarding as a result of a variety of experiences including mentoring, development of friendships, commiserating on shared struggles, encouragement, and the ability to talk through sensitive issues. I’ve learned a great deal from the connections I’ve made through NORDP.
It has also helped me navigate my own career with resources like the conference, listserv, and conversations with colleagues across the nation. I’ve gained a great deal of confidence over the years using resources like the salary survey/COL index which helped me negotiate a raise and higher title. This is a great tool for anyone going into a job interview providing external validation when discussing salary.
I am honored to be able to give back to an organization that has given me so much.
How did you hear about NORDP and what made you join initially?
I actually learned about NORDP in the offer letter for my first Research Development position. It was explicitly stated that I was expected to join for my professional development! My deeper involvement began at the behest of Peggy Sundermeyer when she asked me to chair the Southwest Regional meeting at the 2015 conference. Things progressed and I now co-chair the Member Services Committee. Thanks Peggy!
What relationships have you built as a result of NORDP (new colleagues, connections to institutions where you previously had no point of contact)?
I have developed numerous levels of relationships over the past five years. These range from individuals I see every year at the conference to closer connections with whom I am in regular contact over the phone and email throughout the year.
I am also serving as a mentor this year to two mentees who are very nascent to Research Development. I am excited to work with them both in the coming year as well as learn about their respective institutions.
Compiled by Daniel Campbell, Member Services Committee
NORDP fosters a culture of inclusive excellence by actively promoting and supporting diversity, inclusion and equity in all its forms to expand our worldview, enrich our work, and elevate our profession.
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