Category: Board Updates

Kimberly Eck is one of three new elected NORDP Board Members in 2018. We thank Kimberly for her service to NORDP!

Who: Kimberly Eck, MPH, PhD, Director of Research Development
Where: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Number of years in research development: 9
Length of NORDP membership: 4

What’s your history in RD? When and how did you enter the field? What kind of RD work do you do?

I started in RD in 2009 working for a small consulting company with clients in the healthcare and public health sector. Like many RD professionals, I had never heard of “research development” and didn’t know I was a research development professional until I had been working in my role for several years. After several years of consulting, I moved to higher education and found my niche. Today, as the Director of Research Development at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, I lead a team that specializes in interdisciplinary teaming, long-range planning, and supporting major, multi-million proposals. I have taken a major leadership role in a university-wide cluster hire and grand challenge initiative and am increasingly involved in supporting our university centers and institutes.

What’s your history with NORDP? How have you engaged with the organization (committee work, conferences attended/presented)?

During the past year, I served as the Chair of the Southeast NORDP Region (SE NORDP). In this role, I led the region and SE NORDP Executive Committee in becoming an officially-recognized affinity group, launching a regional meeting series, and creating a regional RD job shadow experience. I’ve also regularly presented at the NORDP conference with colleagues and contributed to committees. I’ve really enjoyed presenting my original research with a great group of collaborators that I met through NORDP.

What relationships have you built as a result of NORDP (new colleagues, connections to institutions where you previously had no point of contact)?

Being a part of NORDP has allowed me to develop a nation-wide network. I know so many people at so many institutions throughout the country that I would have otherwise never met. In particular, working with my collaborators on research projects and my fellow SE NORDP Executive Committee members has been very rewarding. It is great to have a group of professional colleagues to learn from, bounce ideas off of, and share frustration with. I love catching up with colleagues every year at the NORDP conference.

What inspired you to run for a position on the NORDP board?

I am passionate about the field of research development and NORDP. Over the next four years, I hope to help NORDP continue to grow and serve its members. 

What initiative are you most excited about in your new role as a board member? 

I have often commiserated with fellow research development professionals about the lack of understanding and consistency in titles, roles, and responsibilities. There is a new initiative that I am planning to propose that relates to cataloging and describing the typical titles, roles, and responsibilities of research development positions. This a complex task that builds on the original research conducted by myself and colleagues and will require substantial input from the NORDP community. Ultimately, I hope to lead a working group to create a set of guidelines that will be useful to NORDP as well as human resources, administration, and institutional leadership.

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.

Jill Jividen is one of three new elected NORDP Board Members in 2018. We thank Jill for her service to NORDP!

Who: Jill Jividen, Assistant Director for Research Development
Where: Medical School Office of Research, University of Michigan
Number of years in research development: 4.5
Length of NORDP membership: 4.5

What’s your history in RD? When and how did you enter the field? What kind of RD work do you do?

I finished my PhD in literature just before the recession hit in 2008 and the academic job market dried up. After teaching as an adjunct for two years, I took a position as a research administrator in the U-M Medical School, where my background in editing and writing appealed to leadership and researchers. I spent a year learning the basics of NIH grants, then moved to the School of Information, where I worked on NSF and foundations proposals.

I landed my first RD position without really knowing what the field was. I sought out a couple of mentors who did RD work; they connected me to NORDP, and, locally, we started to build a grassroots RD community to share resources and best practices. One of those mentors recruited me to her position as she retired. In my current role as Assistant Director for Research Development, I coordinate a junior faculty mentorship program (the R01 Boot Camp); connect faculty to funding opportunities and resources; present grant writing workshops; provide editing; and manage limited submissions.

What’s your history with NORDP? How have you engaged with the organization (committee work, conferences attended/presented)?

My mentors introduced me to NORDP. I went to my first conference two months after starting that first RD position. It was an eye-opening experience, and I was inspired by the creative problem-solving that our peers undertake to support faculty. I have attended every conference since 2014. I began volunteering at the conference registration desk and as a session scribe at the conferences. I gradually increased participation, joining the Member Services Committee and now the board. I feel grateful to have the confidence of my peers—that they know I’ll work collaboratively to ensure that we have a high-quality organization that provides resources and benefits to all members, at every stage of their RD careers.

What relationships have you built as a result of NORDP (new colleagues, connections to institutions where you previously had no point of contact)?

While I’ve enjoyed and benefited from the relationships I’ve built with my amazing colleagues across the nation, NORDP has actually helped me build relationships on my own campus. We have a large research enterprise, spread across the city of Ann Arbor, as well as in Dearborn and Flint. NORDP has inspired us to connect with the hundreds of people who support research, in various capacities—to generate and share ideas, and to inspire interest and investment in RD activities. We are currently planning our 3rd annual “mini NORDP”—a half-day conference where we can present best practices and successful models, and really showcase the innovative programs and resources that are being developed and used in our diverse Schools and Colleges. NORDP also has helped build relationships with other in-state institutions and provides us a point of contact to share knowledge and resources with our local colleagues.

What inspired you to run for a position on the NORDP board?

I am passionate about RD and NORDP; I joke that I’m the campus “evangelist” for RD—touting the value of this field and organization to anyone who will give me a platform. I’ve had successes in rallying people around a common cause on my campus, and I want to bring that enthusiasm and momentum to the national level. I think that good things come from connecting people around knowledge and ideas. Serving as a board member will allow me to do more to improve member resources and benefits, thereby improving the value of the organization and keeping members engaged.

What initiative are you most excited about in your new role as a board member?

One of my projects will be to overhaul the member resources page to best serve both new and more advanced members. I’d like to collaborate on an onboarding tool kit that will offer incoming members a strong starting point for engaging with NORDP. I want to offer members practical resources that will guide them at their own institutions, in their own work and careers. I also hope to contribute to current initiatives like NORD, to encourage research on research, and dissemination of these results, all in an effort to continue to grow the RD field nationally.

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.

NORDP’s 2018 election for Board of Directors ends at midnight on Thursday, May 31. Please cast your vote if you have not already done so!

Board of Directors voting information was provided in a May 7 email sent by “NORDP Election Coordinator <mailto:noreply@directvote.net>.” Only individuals whose memberships are current may vote. If you believe you are eligible to vote but did not receive an electronic ballot, please check your spam or junk mail folder and notify me at nlm@unl.edu if you are unable to locate the election email.

As those of you who attended the candidates’ forum during the annual conference in Arlington saw, we have a tremendous slate of Board candidates this year. Please honor them all by taking the time to review their candidate materials and submitting your vote today.

Thank you!

Nathan Meier
Chair, NORDP 2018 Nominating Committee

It’s Almost Time . . .

Voting for NORDP Board of Directors opens May 7, 2018. All NORPD members in good standing are encouraged to cast a vote. You will receive an email from our election provider, Survey & Ballot Systems, in advance of voting opening that will provide you with electronic ballot login information. The ballot will provide a bio, candidate statement, and CV for each of the candidates. You will be able to vote for any number of candidates, up to the four slots available in this year’s election.

The candidates for 2018 are:

• Leigh Botner, University of Delaware
• Kimberly Eck, University of Tennessee Knoxville
• Jill Jividen, University of Michigan
• Kerry Morris, Valdosta State University
• Michael Spires (incumbent), Oakland University
• Paul Tuttle, North Carolina A&T State University
• Etta Ward (interim), Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

If you will be at the 2018 Annual Meeting, be sure to attend the Candidates Forum on Wednesday, May 9 at 8 am to see the candidates in person and ask questions.

_______________________________________________________

We hope to see you at the Conference, which will be held May 7-9, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA.  For more information about the conference program or to register, visit http://www.nordp.org/conferences. Follow @NORDP_official on Twitter for all the latest #NORDP2018 updates.

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.

Dear Colleagues:

NORDP members are encouraged to submit nominations and applications for Board of Directors positions in advance of the 2018 election cycle. Nominations for Board positions are due April 6, and applications for Board positions are due April 13.

As a volunteer-led organization with a membership approaching 900, NORDP’s momentum and mission are driven by its member leaders. Individuals elected to the Board of Directors have the primary responsibilities of ensuring the organization’s effective governance, fiscal responsibility, and strategic direction.

Board members also play a leading role in advancing the organization’s processes and priorities. These range from member services, mentoring, and strategic alliances to inclusive excellence and new opportunities in research development.

Individuals elected to serve on NORDP Board spend 10 to 12 hours per month fulfilling their duties. According to current and past members of the Board, this service yields significant professional and personal gains:

“When I found NORDP, I found my people. When I began to volunteer, I found my niche. And when I was invited to run for a Board of Directors position, I found a place to channel my passion for the work we do. NORDP is a community of leaders and do-ers.” – Jan Abramson, Board Member, University of Utah

“My service to NORDP is one of the most professionally rewarding activities of my 30-year career in higher education. My service has always been about building our profession, providing support to others, and growing our organization. My investment in NORDP has reaped countless rewards in terms of new personal and professional associations.” – Jeff Agnoli, NORDP Treasurer and Board Member, The Ohio State University

“The two best things about serving on the NORDP Board are working with others passionately committed to the success of our organization and its members and the strong friendships I developed with other Board members. It was a joy and an honor to serve my profession with some of the most talented, energetic, and positive individuals I have ever known.” – Peggy Sundermeyer, Past Officer and Board Member, Trinity University

If you or someone you know is ready to contribute time and talent to the future of NORDP, consider submitting a Board application or nomination today. More information about these processes is available here.

Please contact me at nlm@unl.edu or 402-472-3902 if you have questions regarding the Board of Directors nomination, application, or election processes.

Kind regards,

Nathan Meier
Chair, Nominating Committee

Nominations and applications are now being invited for NORDP Board of Directors positions. Nominations for Board positions are due April 6, 2018, and applications for the same are due April 13, 2018.

Available positions: Four Board of Directors positions are available in 2018. Three of these seats represent members whose terms are ending in 2018, and one is a new seat. All four seats are open to eligible NORDP members from any type of institution or region. New Board members are elected for four-year terms.

Eligibility: All regular members of NORDP in good standing who meet the qualifications outlined below are eligible to apply for Board of Directors positions. Any NORDP member employed by a for-profit company that employs more than 25 people is an affiliate member of NORDP and not eligible for election to the Board. Current Board members whose terms are expiring are eligible for nomination and re-election unless they have already served two consecutive terms (in which case they must wait at least one year before becoming eligible for re-election).

Qualifications: Qualifications for serving on the Board of Directors encompass a number of factors, including:

• Active support and/or service to NORDP (e.g., service on committees, working groups, or other efforts on behalf of the organization). While conference presentations are highly valuable to the organization, they do not in and of themselves constitute active support of the organization or demonstrate an individual has knowledge of how NORDP operates and how its mission is served.
• Experience in research development that demonstrates deep knowledge of the profession.
• Experience serving on non-profit boards or providing other forms of organizational leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well and work collaboratively.

Expectations: The expectations for NORDP Board members are significant in terms of time and effort. Members are expected to actively participate in the Board, head committees, and pursue activities that advance the NORDP mission and goals. The time requirement for Board members averages 10 to 12 hours per month. A more detailed position description for members of NORDP’s Board of Directors are available on the NORDP website.

Selection Criteria: The Nominating Committee will evaluate applicants for the ballot based on the following criteria:

• Potential of applicants to serve NORDP effectively, as reflected in their application materials and other evidence such as their description of interests in serving on the Board and the contributions the candidates think they can make, their specific goals for NORDP, and why they think they would make a good candidate.
• Diversity of Board members is highly desirable, although there are no formal requirements.
• Diversity of institution type, location, size, focus, etc. is also highly desirable.

Nomination and Application: Nominators and applicants are requested to prepare submissions in a word processing program and then cut and paste the information into the on-line forms.

Applicants must also upload a brief résumé/CV (three pages maximum) in PDF format, a brief biographical sketch (200-word maximum) in Word format, and a high-resolution headshot (2MB maximum file size; 72 dpi is acceptable).

• Nomination: You may nominate another individual for a Board position using the online form by April 6, 2018. Upon receipt of a nomination, the Nomination Committee will contact the nominee to request completion of an on-line application.
• Application: If you are interested in serving as a Board member, please complete the on-line application form by April 13, 2018.

Selection and Voting Processes: All members of NORDP in good standing (including affiliate members) are eligible to vote in the election, which will be held online. The Nominating Committee will review applications and present the nominees to the membership for a voting process according to the following schedule, which relates to the Annual Meeting (May 7 to 9, 2018):

• Two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting: The Nominating Committee will notify candidates regarding eligibility and placement on the election ballot.
• Annual Meeting: Nominees who have been placed on the ballot by the Nominating Committee will be invited to participate in an open candidates’ forum during the Annual Meeting (specific date, time, and location will be indicated in the conference program and uploaded to the conference website http://www.nordp.org/conferences). Candidate information will be posted to the NORDP website, and the voting period will run from May 7 to 31.
• July 1, 2018: Newly elected Board members assume their duties.

Please contact Nathan Meier at nlm@unl.edu or 402-472-3902 if you have any questions regarding the Board of Directors nomination, application, or election procedures.

Thank you in advance for your participation in the Board of Directors nomination and application process, which is designed to ensure strong leadership of NORDP.

Posted on behalf of the Nominating Committee and Board of Directors

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.

Welcome to the new (and returning) Board members!

At its meeting on June 27, 2017, the NORDP board of Directors ratified the results of the 2017 Board elections, welcoming three new members and one returning member. The new members are: Jan Abramson, M.S., Sponsored Projects Officer, University of Utah; Jennifer Lyon Gardner, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Research, University of Texas at Austin; and Jerilyn Hansen, M.S., Director, Research Development, Utah State University. Returning to the Board for a second term is Rachel Dresbeck, Ph.D., Director, Research Development & Communication, Oregon Health and Science University. All four of these members’ terms will end June 30, 2021.

The Board also accepted the resignation of Terri Soelberg, M.Ed., Director, College of Health Sciences Office of Research, Boise State University, and appointed Kellie Dyslin, MSW, Associate Director, Proposal Support, Northern Illinois University, to complete Terri’s term. Kellie will serve the remaining two years in Terri’s term, ending June 30, 2019.

Officers for 2017-2018 are as follows:

• President: Michael Spires, M.A., M.S., CRA, Principal Proposal Analyst, University of Colorado Boulder
• Vice President/President-Elect: Karen Eck, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Research, Old Dominion University
• Treasurer: Jeff Agnoli, M.A., Education, Funding, and Research Development, The Ohio State University
• Secretary: Karen Fletcher, M.B.A., Director of Grants Resources & Services, Appalachian State University
• Immediate Past President: Gretchen Kiser, Ph.D., Executive Director, Research Development Office, University of California, San Francisco