Three USC Columbia staffers have earned Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credentials through GRANT, the Gamecock Research Administrator Network and Training program.

Laverne Shuler, Prevention Research Center; Pat Blackwell, College of Pharmacy; and Stephanie Driver, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics are among the first graduates of the program offered through USC's Sponsored Awards Management office (SAM).

"CRA identifies individuals who have met the Research Administrators Certification Council's requirements for demonstrating the level of knowledge necessary to be a professional research or sponsored programs administrator," said SAM director Ed Walton.

The council was formed by the non-profit international Society of Research Administrators in 1993.

To earn CRA credentials, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree, have three years of substantial involvement in research or sponsored programs administration, and successfully complete a written examination that covers project development and administration, legal requirements and sponsor interface, financial management, and general management.

This national professional certification is also held by current SAM staff members Andrea Ceselski, Dan Christmus, Steve Etheredge, Bonnie Feary, Wanda Hutto, Danielle McElwain, Linda Ross, and Debra Wingard as well as former SAM staffer Rhonda Stephens, now with the College of Education.

Developed by the Office of Research and Health Sciences, in cooperation with the divisions of Business and Finance, Human Resources, and University Advancement, the GRANT program is focused on providing the University's research community with an improved understanding of regulations, policies, and procedures; provide a more unified and streamlined sponsored projects system; and to provide staff access to vital resources and contacts for further assistance.

For more information, go to grant.sc.edu.

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