Hi! I’m M. Fran Stephens and I’m running for the position of At-Large Board Member for Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI). Let me tell you a bit about myself. I’m assuming a new position as Director, Faculty Relations & Operational Excellence in the Office of Research Services at the University of Oklahoma (OU). I’m looking forward to assisting new faculty as they learn about OU’s sponsored project processes and increasing/updating training opportunities - among other things. Recently, I was Director, Office of Research Services and before that a Proposal Development Specialist. In these positions I’ve been responsible for pre-award operations, helped coordinate several large-scale, multi-institutional applications and have assisted with hundreds of proposal budgets and submissions in my 19 years with OU. Prior to working in the Office of Research Services I was a successful grant writer and manager at a local school district. I am a Certified Research Administrator (CRA). I’m a retired Air Force Master Sergeant with experience in budget management, strategic planning, policy composition and interpretation, and work-flow improvement. I was certified as a Master Instructor. I’m a Desert Storm veteran. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my three grandkids and a spoiled miniature schnauzer. My hobbies are reading, kite flying, fishing, working with Scouts, and Dutch Oven cooking.
You might wonder, why would someone want to serve on SRAI’s Board? For me, that reason is due to how much I believe in the services SRAI provides to the research administration career field. I think the educational offerings and networking support we can obtain are essential for professional development.
I’ve been a member of SRAI since 2005 and while serving as a past president of the Southern Section, began to attend board meetings to understand better how the organization works. Once my term was over, I still attended occasional meetings when possible. I’ve also been learning about how different committees operate through active participation, chair, and co-chair positions on numerous committees such as Membership, Awards, and the Education & Professional Development Committee (EPDC). I was selected as an SRAI Distinguished Faculty in 2018 and am currently a co-chair on that committee. I have always loved sharing information so do many presentations for SRAI at section and annual meetings, intensives, webinars, and coffee talks, both in person and virtually. My involvement over the years has exposed me to many people and viewpoints plus background in some operational aspects of the Society. Now I’d like to transition from observing the board to actively engaging in its operation.
As our field continues to experience high retirement, turn-over, and the impact of hybrid work environments, we need to not only continue the educational offerings we have but find ways to increase and improve them. Keeping abreast of the rapidly changing federal landscape and compliance monitoring will also stay important. Data management, access, security, and the increasing involvement of artificial intelligence will be of high concern for our field. Motivating members to join and become active in our Society is important for us domestically and internationally as we are also facing a large turn-over in member’s experience. I think SRAI will be a key organization in responding to these and other emerging issues by providing education and encouraging solution-sharing networks.
As SRAI goes forward I would be honored to represent you on the SRAI board and ask for your vote as At-Large Board member in the upcoming elections.
Thank you.
Authored by M. Fran Stephens, Director, Faculty Relations & Operational Excellence
University of Oklahoma
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