From left, Stacey Stewart, Kathleen Smoot, Michael Hebel and Kristen Hartung make up the College of Education and Health Professions research leadership team.
Kristen Hartung, a research advancement specialist in the College of Education and Health Professions, was recently awarded one of two national scholarships for the spring 2024 semester from the National Council of University Research Administrators.
The scholarship from NCURA’s Education Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to members of the organization who are actively pursuing graduate education in research management. Hartung is pursuing a master’s degree in research management at the University of Central Florida.
Hartung said she is looking forward to the opportunities that the National Council Education Scholarship will provide.
“This scholarship will provide the funding to pursue a master’s degree in research management and help advance and support COEHP’s research, as well as further my development as a leader who can mentor impactful research and promote research integrity,” she said.
Hartung began her career in research administration at Northwest Arkansas Community College, then worked as an administrative analyst in the Office of Sponsored Programs at the University of Arkansas, and worked as a grant specialist for the SOAR, CONNECT and ESOL Academy projects in the College of Education and Health Professions before joining the college’s research leadership team in May 2022.
Hartung completed his Certified Research Administrator certification in November 2022. After assuming his current role, he joined the National Council of University Research Administrators and credits the support system within his university for enabling him to pursue opportunities within the organization.
“I embraced a culture that prioritizes professional growth, and our leadership was supportive of my involvement with NCURA,” Hartung said.
The National Council of University Research Administrators was founded in 1959 as an organization of individuals working in universities who shared an interest in managing research and instructional support programs.
Hartung’s desire to grow as a research management professional led him to pursue a graduate degree.
“I aspired to eventually lead a university-level research management office and recognized the importance of developing a high level of specialized knowledge and strategic acumen to effectively navigate the dynamic environment of academic research management,” she said.
The College of Education and Health Professions Office of Research supports staff and faculty efforts to achieve research and grant success. Led by Michael Hebel, associate dean for research, strategy and outreach, the team advances key research priorities in the College’s WE CARE strategic plan.
