CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENT
Dear Colleagues,
I write to share news that Kendra Mingo has accepted a new position as senior proposal development specialist in the Office of Research and Economic Development at the University of Idaho, effective January 2, 2019.
Kendra joined us in 2005 at the inception of the Office for Faculty Research & Resources (OFFRR), a sponsored research office whose purpose and mission was “to advance the professional development of Willamette faculty, the academic reputation and resources of the university, and the quality of the educational experience for Willamette students.”
Kendra’s dedication to and support of Willamette faculty and faculty grant seeking has truly been extraordinary, and the impacts of her many positive contributions to Willamette will continue long after her departure. In the 13 years she has served Willamette, Kendra has worked with literally hundreds of faculty members across the university on tens of millions of dollars in awards for faculty scholarship, pedagogical innovation, student research opportunities, equipment acquisition and facilities improvements. In 2014, she created the Grant Improvement Scholarship, a fund that supports junior faculty members and arts and humanities faculty to submit more competitive proposals. She formalized the office’s efforts to identify and nominate faculty for prestigious external awards. She also helped to transition OFFRR into its current form as the Office of Grants and Strategic Initiatives (OGSI), a combined “idea hub” and grants office whose mission is to catalyze ideas for faculty and institutional grant seeking that advance the university’s strategic priorities.
Before coming to Willamette, Kendra had a successful career in higher education, including six years directing the community outreach and education programs of two National Institute of Environmental Health Centers at Oregon State University, and previous work in science education at Reed College, Lewis & Clark College, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. While at Willamette, she earned the designation of certified research administrator from the Research Administrators Certification Council. She was also nominated five times as Willamette University Employee of the Year, receiving the Alvan F. Waller Stewardship Award in 2011.
Later in the fall, we will provide a reception and opportunity to honor Kendra’s many contributions to Willamette. Please plan to join us in offering congratulations and best wishes to Kendra as she begins this next phase of her career.
Knowing how important faculty grants and the work of OGSI are to Willamette’s mission and purpose, we will initiate a national search for Kendra’s replacement and will update the community on opportunities to participate.
Best Regards,
Provost and Senior Vice President