The offices of Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and Contract and Grant Administration (CGA) would like to encourage excellence and exemplary service by recognizing unit research administrators who go above and beyond.

Beginning with the Fall 2025 award cycle, the Unit Research Administrator (RA) Spotlight Award will be jointly funded by the Vice President for Research and Innovation and the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Award recipients will be recognized in an article in the SPA Newsletter and will receive a commemorative plaque and a financial award as tokens of appreciation.

Nominees must be MSU employees that meet three or more of the following criteria:

• Demonstrates a consistent ability to make a significant, positive impact within their department/college/unit, fostering the research mission of the University and providing the Spartan Experience in their daily activities.
• Demonstrates a consistent commitment in providing expert service to MSU faculty and researchers, and continues to develop strong, positive working relationships with faculty, colleagues, and central research offices.
• Provides effective and efficient administration while adhering to procedures, policies, and regulations.
• Exemplary recognized resource who contributes to campus research administration (RA), RA education, or RA improvement efforts, which could include presenter/collaborator for ERA, or contributing member of SPAC, RASIC, SPROUT, or ISAW*.

*Essentials of Research Administration (ERA), Sponsored Programs Advisory Committee (SPAC), Research Administration System Implementation Committee (RASIC), Sponsored Program Research Opportunities and University Training (SPROUT), International Sponsored Awards Workgroup (ISAW)

**The Recommendation Panel includes campus and central representatives.