College of Education and Health Professions Research Specialist Awarded National Scholarship

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.

Scholarships from NCURA’s education scholarship fund are designed to provide financial assistance to members of the organization who are actively pursuing graduate education in research administration. Hartung is pursuing a Master of Research Administration from the University of Central Florida.

Hartung said she’s looking forward to the opportunities she’ll be afforded thanks to the national council’s education scholarship.

“Not only will this scholarship provide me with the funds to obtain my master’s degree in research administration, enabling me to advance and support COEHP research, but it will also help foster my growth as a leader capable of guiding impactful research and promoting research integrity,” she said.

Hartung got her start in research administration at NorthWest Arkansas Community College before working as an administrative analyst in the U of A’s Office of Sponsored Programs. She worked as a grant specialist for 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 earned her Certified Research Administrator credential in November 2022. She joined the National Council of University Research Administrators after stepping into her current role and credits her support system in the college for allowing her to pursue opportunities within the organization.

“Embracing a culture that prioritized professional growth, our leadership supported my involvement in NCURA,” Hartung said.

The National Council of University Research Administrators was founded in 1959 as an organization of individuals working at colleges and universities who shared interests in the administration of research- and education-sponsored programs.

Hartung’s motivation for pursuing her graduate degree stems from her desire to grow as a professional in research administration.

“With aspirations to eventually lead a college-level research administration office, I recognized the significance of acquiring advanced expertise and strategic insights to navigate the dynamic landscape of academic research administration effectively,” she said.

The research office in the College of Education and Health Professions supports staff and faculty efforts to achieve research and grant success. The team, led by Associate Dean for Research, Strategy and Outreach Michael Hevel, advances the impactful research priority of the college’s WE CARE strategic plan.