Cynthia White, director of the Research Office, received the 2006 Distinguished Service Award from the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA).
The council established the award in 2001 as a way to recognize members who have made sustained and distinctive contributions to the organization.
White received the award at the NCURA 48th Annual Meeting, during a recognition luncheon Nov. 6 at the Hilton Washington and Towers in Washington, D.C.
Areas of service for this award include NCURA national and regional presentations, NCURA publications, NCURA committees and serving as a NCURA officer.
Last year’s recipients include Marti Dunne, New York University; Richard Keogh, InfoEd International Inc.; Gunta Liders, University of Rochester; Garry Sanders, Ordway Research Institute Inc.; and Mary Ellen Sheridan, University of Chicago.
“Cindy White not only meets the criteria for this esteemed award, but her service to NCURA far surpasses them,” said NCURA Executive Director Kathleen Larmett.
White has been a member of NCURA since 1987 and has served in many capacities, including serving as a “Fundamentals of Sponsored Project Administration” faculty member, member of the NCURA Board of Directors, newsletter contributor and member of the 46th Annual Meeting Program Committee.
In addition to serving as chair of the Council’s Southeastern Region, White has participated in many committees, showing her leadership by chairing several.
She also has offered her services as a speaker multiple times.
White said she feels strongly about NCURA’s role in the professional life of research administrators.
“When I’m asked to face a video camera and comment on NCURA’s contribution to my professional life, words haven’t been a problem,” she said.
“If there were no NCURA, I would not — could not — be a university research administrator. As a collective of outstanding individuals, our NCURA is a sort of super-mentor, providing the untold counsel and expert instruction we need to flourish.
“For the new member entering the profession today, NCURA’s benefits are more critical than ever,” White added.
“Work has become more demanding and stressful as regulations and public scrutiny seem to double monthly.
“The need to find answers and colleagues has ramped up to the red zone. But NCURA looks rested and ready, offering more special conferences, more niche offerings, more convenient delivery.”
NCURA serves its members and advances the field of research administration by providing education and professional development programs, sharing knowledge and experience and fostering a professional, collegial and respected community.
For more information, visit ncura.edu.