On a warm evening in late October, OSPRA celebrated the annual Grant Writer’s Appreciation Reception at the IDEA House, recognizing both faculty and staff for their successful grant writing contributions and contracts for sponsored research.  The event has become a much anticipated annual occasion and focuses on bringing together colleagues from various university departments and disciplines.  According to Dr. James LaPlant, Dean of the Graduate School and Assistant Vice President of Research, “Our grant writers are the engine that drives sponsored programs at VSU.  Grant writing has increased over the last two years as well as the external dollars requested in those proposals.”

Because of the daily demands on faculty and staff, grant writing is often disregarded due to its time and labor intensiveness.  “Grant writers are a critical component in strengthening the university and expanding the research portfolio,” says Elizabeth Olphie, Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Administration.   “We love our grant writers and our department offers a variety of services designed to streamline the process while minimizing the administrative burden.  We’re already looking forward to planning next year’s event.”